/3 


ELEMENTS 


OTH O  J.  SMITH. 


L 


OF 


MINERALOGY, 


ADAPTED    TO   THE  USE   OF    SEMINARIES 


AND 


itoitatc  Stuaente: 


By  J.  L.  COMSTOCK,  M.  D, 


PUBLISHED  BY  S.  G.  GOODRICH,  BOSTON  : 

SOLD  BY  BILLIARD,  GRAY,  UTTLB  &  WILKINS,  BOSTON  ;   O.  &  C.CARVILS, 

H.  c,  CAREY  &  i.  LEA,  PHILADELPHIA. 


S.  G.  Goodrich,  Publisher,  Boston,  invites  the  correspond- 
ence of  persons  engaged  in  the  composition  of  original  works, 
or  in  the  preparation  of  new  editions  of  works  already  pub- 
lished, who  wish  to  dispose  of  the  copy-right,  or  procure  the 
publication,  of  the  same.  Jan.  1st.  1827. 


DISTRICT  OP  CONNECTICUT,  *». 

'E  it  remembered,  that  on  the  Twenty-third  day  of  November,  in 
the  Fifty-First  year  of  the  Independence  of  the  United  States  ol 
America,  J.  L.  COMSTOCK,  of  the  said  District,  hath  deposited  in  this 
office,  the  title  of  a  Book,  the  right  whereof  he  claims  as  Author,  in  the  words  fol- 
lowing, to  wit: 

"  Elements  of  Mineralogy,  adapted  to  the  use  of  Seminaries  and  private  Students  ; 
by  J.  L.  Comstock,  LVl.  D."  In  conformity  to  the  act  of  Congress  of  the  United  ^tates, 
entitled,  "  An  act  for  the  encouragement  of  learning,  by  securing  the  copies  of  Maps 
"  Charts  and  Books,  to  the  authors  and  proprietors  of  such  copies,  during  the 
"  times  therein  mentioned." — And  also  to  the  act,  entitled,  "  An  act  supplementary 
"  to  an  act,  entitled  « An  act  for  the  encouragement  of  learning,  by  securing  the  co- 
"  pies  of  maps,  charts,  and  books,  to  the  authors  and  proprietors  of  such  copies 
"  during  the  times  therein  mentioned,'  and  extending  the  benefits  thereof  to  the  arts 
<«  of  designing,  engraving,  and  etching  historical  and  other  prints." 
CHARLES  A.  INGERSOLL, 

Clerk  of  the  District  of  Connecticut. 
A  true  copy  of  Record,  examined  and  sealed  by  me, 
CHARLES  A.  INGERSOLL, 

Clerk  of  the  District  of  Connecticut. 
NORTON  &  RUSSELL... .Printers.. ..Hartford,Conn. 


^- 


ADVERTISEMENT. 

IN  the  execution  of  the  following  work,  the  author 
has  endeavoured,  Ist.To  make  the  subject  easily  under- 
stood by  avoiding  scientific  terms,  when  common  words 
would  convey  the  meaning.  2d.  To  condense  its  size 
as  much  as  possible,  by  the  employment  of  meth- 
od in  the  language  of  description,  and  by  the  omission 
of  all  useless  words,  and  3d.  To  make  the  book  inter- 
esting to  common  readers,  by  the  insertion  of  curious 
particulars. 

In  offering  the  result  of  his  labors  to  the  public,  the 
author  hopes  to  contribute  in  some  small  degree,  to- 
wards a  more  general  diffusion  of  taste  for  Mineralogy, 
by  affording  a  cheaper  and  more  easy  introduction  to 
its  elements,  than  has  before  existed  in  this  country. 

The  work  of  Professor  Cleveland,  though  undoubt- 
edly the  best  which  has  been  published,  is  too  expen- 
sive, and  voluminous  for  general  circulation.  That  of 
Phillips,  is  entirely  wanting  in  respect  to  distinctive 
characters,  nor  have  his  late  editions  yet  been  printed 
in  this  country.  The  Manual  of  Aikin,  is  too  concise, 
to  give  the  learner  a  proper  knowledge  of  the  science. 
These  are  the  only  books  which  have  been  published 
in  this  country  on  Mineralogy. 

Under  such  circumstances,  it  was  thought  that  a  work 
containing  the  elements  of  the  science,  and  of  such  a 
size  as  to  come  within  the  means  of  almost  every  one, 
was  much  wanted,  and  if  well  done,  would  facilitate 
the  progress  of  science  in  our  country.  How  far  the 
following  performance  is  adapted  to  these  views,  must 
now  be  left  to  the  judgment  of  the  public. 


X<u*.X  ' 


IV 

The  general  plan  of  arrangement,  is  that  of  Phillips, 
though  in  particular  instances,  the  places  of  species 
have  been  changed. 

In  respect  to  authorities,  the  following  works  have 
been  consulted  and  quoted. 

Hauy,  Jameson,  Cleveland,  Phillips,  Mohs,  Lucas, 
Aikin,  Lowry,  Mawe,  Bakewell,  Pinkerton,  Brongniart, 
Rees',  and  the  Edinburgh  Encyclopedias,  Silliman's 
Journal,  Brand's  Journal,  Annals  of  the  New  York  Ly- 
ceum, Robinson's  Localities,  and  Dana's  Mineralogy, 
ol  Boston. 

Among  these,  the  systems  of  Cleveland,  Phillips, 
Hauy,  and  Mohs,  have  been  chiefly  depended  on. 

Among  the  gentlemen  from  whom  information  and 
advice  have  been  received,  it  is  with  much  pleasure  I 
particularize  Professor  Hall,  of  Washington  College, 
who  has  rendered  me  essential  assistance,  during  the 
progress  of  the  work,  and  by  whose  kindness  I  had 
ready  access  to  the  extensive  cabinet  of  the  College. 

A  full  list  of  localities  could  not  have  been  introdu- 
ced, without  so  much  enlarging  the  volume  as  materi- 
ally to  derange  the  original  plan.  It  was  thought,  also, 
that  Dr.  Robinson's  Catalogue  of  American  localities, 
in  a  good  degree,  rendered  such  a  list  unnecessary. 

Hartford,  January  1st,  1826. 


CONTENTS 

of  the  Introduction. 

Introduction,          ......  Page     13 

Definition,         .          .......         13 

Characters  of  Minerals, 14 

External  Characters,          .          .         .         .         .         .         14 

Colors, .15 

Metallic  Colors,         .          ..;...         1 5 
Non-Metallic  Colors,      .         •         .         .         .         .         .15 

Lustre, 18 

Play  of  Colors, 19 

Transparency,  . 20 

Form, 21 

Primitive  Form,  .          ..*...         21 

Mechanical  Division, 23 

Cleavage,          .  ......         23 

Structure, 25 

Fracture,          .          .          ......         28 

Frangibility, 29 

Shape  of  the  Fragments, 29 

Surface, 29 

Touch, 30 

Coldness,      .  30 

Order, 30 

Taste, .30 

Adhesion  to  the  Tongue,     ..'....         30 

Soil,  or  Stain, 31 

Streak, 31 

Hardness,      .         .         .         .         .         .         .         .         .31 

Tenacity,  .         .         .         .         .         .         .         .32 

Sectility, ...     32 


VI  CONTENTS. 

Electricity,        .         .         .         .                   .         .         .  32 

Magnetism,     .       .         .         .          .          .         .         .         .33 

Specific  Gravity, 34 

Phosphorescence, 36 

Double  Refraction,     .          .......  37 

Crystallization,     . 39 

Fundamental   Forms, 40 

Description  of  Crystals, 41 

Truncation,  .  .         .         .         .         .         .         .42 

Bevelment, 42 

Imperfect  Crystallization,       .                   •         ...  43 

Grouping  of  Crystals, 44 

Twin  Crystals,     . 44 

Magnitude  of  Crystals,           .         .                  .         .         .  44 

Angles  of  Crystallization, 45 

Goniometer,         ........  46 

Chemical  Characters, 48 

Blowpipe,    ....                  .  48 

Action   of   Acids,     .                  .         .         .         ...  50 

Explanation  of  Terms, 52 


PRELIMINARY  EXPLANATIONS. 


Obs.  The  pupil  in  Mineralogy,  will  find  his  progress  greatly  fa- 
cilitated, by  acquiring,  in  the  first  place,  such  a  knowledge  of  Crys- 
tallography as  to  be  able  to  understand  and  explain  the  following 
figures.  For  this  purpose  let  him  take  any  soft  substance,  as  a  piece 
of  pine  wood,  and  with  a  knife,  form  the  solid  figures  as  he  proceeds. 
In  this  way  he  will  at  once  obtain  more  correct  ideas  than  could  be 
conveyed  by  the  most  labored  descriptions. 


The  Regular  Tetrahedron.  This  figure  is  bounded 
by  four  oblique  planes  or  faces,  has  four  points,  or 
solid  angles,  and  six  edges. 


The  same  with  the  summit  truncated*  or  cut  off. 


The  same  with  all  the  corners,  or  solid  angles  trun- 
cated. 


The  same  with  the  edges  truncated. 


The  same  with  the  edges  bevelled.* 


The  Cube  has  six  equal,  square  faces,  eight  corners, 
or  solid  angles,  and  twelve  edges,  c  the  edges  ; 
e  the  solid  angles. 


For  the  explanation  ot  these  terras,  see  Introduction,  page  M.H. 


VIII 


PRELIMINARY  EXPLANATIONS. 


The  Regular  Square  Table.  It  has  the  same  num- 
ber of  solid  angles  and  edges  with  the  cube.  If  the 
cube  be  divided  in  the  middle,  two  square  tables 
would  be  formed. 


A  Regular  Quadrangular  Prism.  This  has  the  same  num- 
ber of  faces,  angles,  and  corners,  with  the  cube.  If  two,  or 
three  cubes  be  laid,  one  on  the  other,  this  figure  would  be 
formed.* 


The  Cube,  with  the  corners  truncated. 


The  same,  more  deeply  truncated. 


The  same,  with  the  edges  truncated. 


The  same,  with  the  corners  and  edges  truncated. 


The  Cube,  with  the  edges  bevelled,  forming  two  planes 
and  three  edges,  instead  of  one  edge. 


The  Regular  Octahedron.  This  figure  is  contained 
under  eight  triangular  planes,  or  faces,  six  solid  angles, 
and  twelve  edges. 


*See  page  XL. 


PRELIMINARY  EXPLANATION*. 


IX 


The    Octahedron,    with  a  short  prism  interposed  be- 
tween the  pyramids— a  the  prism,  66  the  pyramids. 


The  Elongated  Oclohtdron.  This  differs  from  the 
regular  uctohedron,  in  being  extended  more  in  one 
direction  than  in  the  others. 


The  Elongated  Octohedron,  with  the  summits  trun- 
cated. 


The  Rhomb.  This  figure  differs  from  the  cube,  im 
having  its  contiguous  faces  inclined  to  each  other 
under  various  angles,  instead  of  being  at  right  angles. 


The  Rhnmboidal  Octohedron.  This  is  a  combina- 
tion of  the  regular  offohedron,  and  the  rhomb,  form- 
ing an  irregular  solid  of  eight  sides. 


A  figure  bounded  by  twenty-four  sides.    The  garnet 
sometimes  is  found  under  this  form. 


The  Dodecahedron,   with  the  triangular  faces— d  the 
angles  of  incidence,  /  the  summit, 


B 


PRELIMINARY    EXPLANATIONS. 


The  same,  with  a  short  prism  interposed,  on  which  the 
two  pyramids   stand — a  the  prism. 


Fis.  23.  The  Hexahedral,  or 
Six-sided  Prism,  terminated  by 
a  six-sided  pyramid. 

24.  A  Pyramid. 

25.  An    Irregular   Pyramid, 
standing  on  a  short  prism. 

26.  The  same,  but  still  more 
irregular.    Crystals  of  Quartz 

are  found  in  these  shapes. 


Fig.  27.  An  Irregular  Dodecahedron. 
28.  The  same,  but  more  irregular. 


A  Mnde,or  Hemitrope  crystal,  formed  by  the  junction  of 
two  halves,  one  of  which  is  inverted. 


Two  crystals  crossing  each  other. 
this  form. 


Staurotide  occurs  in 


By  obtaining,  and  examining  closely  the  solids  represented  by  the 
above  cuts,  the  Student  will  not  only  gain  a  general  knowledge  of 
crystalline  forms,  but  will  also  understand  the  right  application  of  the 
terms  by  which  they  are  designated.  Thus,  the  difference  between 
the  Tetrahedron,  and  the  Tetrahedral,  or  Four-sided  Prism,  is  ob- 


PRELIMINARY   EXPLANATIONS.  XI 

vious.  The  Tetrahedron  has  four  sides  only,  while  the  Tetrahedrat 
Prism  has  four  sides,  more  or  less  extended,  surrounding  its  axis, 
besides  its  terminations,  which  may  consist  of  from  one  to  four,  or 
more  faces  at  each  extremity.  This  figure  is  also  called  the  Quad- 
rangular Prism. 

The  Hexahedron,  or  Cube,  has  six  equal  faces,  while  the  Hexahe- 
dral,  or  Six-sided  Prism,  has  six  sides  surrounding  its  axis,  besides 
its  terminations. 

The  Octahedron  is  bounded  by  eight  faces,  while  the  Octahedral 
Prism  has  eight  contiguous  planes,  besides  its  terminations, 


' 


EXPLANATIONS. 

Ext:  Char,     stands  for        .    .  External  Characters 

Chtm.Char.          .         .         .  Chemical  Characters 

Dist.  Char Distinctive  Character! 

Ohs.     ,         .      !    .^   t^>"1     •  Observation 

Local Localities 

H. Hauy 

J.    §         .     I^J*J*%r*     .•*      .  Jameson 

C.    [Jit  "*'**!*•     ,     ^V-M^&H'  Cleveland 

A.  .  S9«*     toMW    *K<*         '  Aikil1 

Ifr      -  ***•  fcy^vtj   i.«  if     .         .  Brongniart 

JW.' .       .       .     %  '  fci*^     .  Mohs 

p,        .         .         .     *  v^  "14'^'-*  Philips 

j\f  //.  .         •  New- Hampshire 

Fir.orFf.    .     ihw-?:*-f«i?!l.*.'K  Vermont 

jj/fl<9j Massachusetts 

/?./..'.»         .         .         «  Rhode  Island 

CW.orCf.     tf        V       •»         •  Connecticut 

JV1  Y.  .     '.;  ,/, -.  %        -  New-York 

A.  /.  .      V*-     •         •  New-Jersey 

P^/m.  .         •         •     •^••»  •  Pennsylvania 

j)el Delaware 

Md. Maryland 

XX  c.  .         .     r  V^     .  District  of  Columbia 

Vir.   or  Va.  .         •  Virginia 

JV  C. North- Carolina 

:>e         .         .  South-Carolina 

.   '     •     «*W     -         •  Georgia 

.     Sa>pJH(  Kentucky 

.  ~t  •«•  «?—  i-?':  Tennessee 

•       >V    '.1,"     .  Michigan 


INTRODUCTION. 


DEFINITIONS. 

§  1.  Mincralogij,  is  that  science  by  which  we  gain  a 
systematic  knowledge  of  the  mineral  kingdom. 

Remark.  The  object  of  Mineralogy  is  to  obtain  such  an  acquaint- 
ance with  individual  specimens,  as  to  be  able  to  know  their  names, 
composition,  and  place,  in  a  systematic  arrangement. 

§  2.  Mineralogy,  in  its  widest  sense,  includes  a 
knowledge  of  all  the  inorganic  substances  of  the  earth. 

Remark.  The  study  of  Fossils,  by  which  is  understood  the  organic 
remains  of  animals,  fish,  and  wood,  found  in  the  earth,  is  more  prop- 
erly a  subject  of  geology.  Individual  specimens  of  this  kind,  which 
most  frequently  occur,  are  however  sometimes  described  in  works 
on  mineralogy. 

§  3.  Minerals  may  be  divided  into  Simple,  and  Com- 
pound or  Aggregated. 

Obs.  1.  Simple  minerals,  are  strictly  such,  as  are  composed  of  one 
kind  of  matter  only,  as  native  gold,  native  copper,  silex,  &c.  but  by 
common  consent,  this  term  is  made  to  include  all  such  minerals  as  are 
homogenous,  in  their  qualities  and  aspect,  though  composed  of  seve- 
ral chemical  constituents,  as  carbonate  of  lime,  octahedral  iron,  fel- 
spar, sulphuret  of  lead,  &c. 

2.  Compound  minerals,  are  such,  as  are  composed  of  several  simple 
ones  closely  connected,  as  granite,  consisting  of  the  simple  minerals, 
quartz,  felspar,  and  mica.  These  individuals  are  generally  obvious 
to  the  eye,  and  their  study  belongs  strictly  to  the  science  of  geology, 
under  the  name  of  rocks,  or  aggregates. 

§  4.  Geology,  is  a  science,  which  has  for  its  object, 
the  investigation  of  the  structure  of  the  earth,  and  the 
relative  position,  of  the  materials  of  which  it  is  formed. 

Obs.  1.  The  different  objects  of  the  two  sciences  are  obvious. — 
Mineralogy  investigates,  and  determines  the  nature,  and  classification 
of  fragments,  or  cabinet  specimens,  while  geology  investigates  the 
constitution,  and  structure,  of  the  crust  of  the  globe  itself. 

2.  Mineralogy,  is  therefore  absolutely  necessary  for  the  study  of  ge- 
ology ;  nor  can  mineralogy  become  a  profitable,  or  interesting  pur- 
suit, without  including  so  much  of  geology,  as  relates  to  the  situation, 
locality,  and  nature  of  the  minerals,  from  among1  which  each  cabinet, 
specimen  has  been  taken. 
C 


XIV  INTRODUCTION. 

2.  CHARACTERS  OP  MINERALS. 

§  5.  The  characters  of  minerals  are  determined  by  a 
close  inspection  of  their  external,  and  obvious  proper- 
ties, as  color,  form,  lustre,  hardness,  £c-  and  by  chem- 
ical analysis,  by  which  their  composition  is  ascertained. 

Obs.  In  describing  minerals,  it  is  convenient  to  divide  their  char- 
acters into  external,  and  chemical..  Under  the  first,  all  such  proper- 
ties, as  can  be  observed,  by  the  sight,  touch,  fracture,  &/c.  are  arran- 
ged ;  and  under  the  second,  such  chemical  characters  as  can  be  ob- 
served most  easily,  as  fusibility,  or  infusibility  and  solubility  in  acids. 

3.    EXTERNAL  CHARACTERS. 

§  6.  The  external  characters  of  minerals  are  nume- 
rous, and  require  great  precision  in  the  language  of 
their  descriptions. 

Obs.  Mineralogy  is  indebted  to  the  celebrated  Werner,  for  the 
descriptive  language  employed  in  the  designation  of  the  external,  or 
physical  characters  of  minerals. 

§  7.  The  following  list  of  external  characters  is  sup- 
posed to  embrace  all  those  of  importance  belonging  to 
the  mineral  kingdom,  viz. 

1.  Color.  10.  Touch. 

2.  Lustre.  11.  Odor. 

3.  Transparency.  12.  Coldness. 
4  Form.  13.  Taste. 

5.  Fracture.  14.  Adhesion  to  the  Tongue. 

6.  Structure.  15.  Soil. 

7.  Frangibility.  16.  Hardness. 

8.  Shape  of  the  Fragments.  17.  Sound. 

9.  Surface.  18.  Tenacity. 

19.  Streak  and  Powder. 

20.  Flexibility  and  Elasticity. 

21.  Shnpe  of  Fragments. 

22.  Electricity. 

23.  Magnetism. 

24.  Specific  gravity. 

25.  Phosphorescence. 

26.  Double  Refraction. 

Obs.  1.  Some  of  these  characters  are  general,  and  belong  to  every 
mineral,  as  color,  structure,  form  and  weight.  Others  as  phosphores- 
cence, electricity,  and  double  refraction,  are  particular,  and  belong 
only  to  a  few  individual  species. 

2-  The  beginner  will  find  much  difficulty  in  the  application  of  these 


INTRODUCTION.  XV 

several  characters  to  the  specimen  before  him,  and  will  no  doubt  find 
it  much  more  easy  to  satisfy  himself  what  a  mineral  is  not,  than  what 
it  is.  This,  however,  is  an  acquisition  of  knowledge,  for  every  decis- 
ion, that  a  specimen  does  not  agree  with  a  given  description,  is  a  step 
towards  ascertaining  what  it  is.  Perseverance,  and  the  habit  of 
close  inspection,  with  a  few  simple  tests,  will  however,  soon  enable 
the  pupil  to  distinguish  the  common  specimens,  a  knowledge  of  which, 
will  greatly  assist  him  in  distinguishing  the  more  rare  and  curious. 

4.  COLORS.* 

§  7.  Colors,  have  been  divided  into  metallic,  and  non- 
metallic* 

Obs.  Werner  assumed  eight  fundamental,  or  principal  colors,  as 
the  ground  of  that  great  variety  of  shades,  which  are  observed  in  min- 
erals. These  are,  white,  grey,  black,  blue,  green,  yellow,  red,  and 
brown. 

5.    METALLIC  COLORS. 

§  8.  The  metallic  colors,  are,  1 .  Copper-red  ;  2. 
Bronze-yellow  ;  3.  Brass-yellow  ;  4.  Gold-yellow  ;  5. 
Silver-white;  6.  Tin-white  ;  7.  Lead-grey  ;  8.  Steel- 
grey,  and  9.  Iron-black. 

1.  Copper-red.    The  color  of  metallic  copper.     Ex.  Octohedral 
copper.  Native  copper. 

2.  Bronze-yellow.    The  color  of  bronze,  darker  than  that  of  brass. 
Ex.  Some  varieties  of  Iron  pyrites. 

3.  Brass-yellow.  Ex.  Copper  pyrites.    Brass. 

4.  Gold-yellow.  The  color  of  pure  gold. 

Obs.  This  color  is  sometimes  pale,  approaching  to  silver-white. 

5.  Silver-white.    The  color  of  pure  silver.  Ex.  Native  silver.   Ar- 
senical pyrites. 

6.  Tin-white.    The  color  of  pure  tin.  Ex.  Fluid  mercury.  Nativt 
antimony. 

7.  Lead-grey.    The  color  of  metallic  lead.    Ex.  Molybdena.  Ga- 
lena. 

O&5.  This  color  has  several  shades,  as  blackish  lead-grey,  and 
whitish  lead-grey. 

8.  Steel-grey.  The  color  of  broken  steel.  Ex.Native  platina.  Steel 
grained  galena. 

9.  Iron-black.  The  color  of  black  oxide  of  iron.  Ex.  Octohedral 
iron  ore.  Magnetic  iron. 

6.    NON-METALLIC  COLORS. 

§  9.  In  the  description  of  minerals,  the  distinction, 
non-metallic,  is  not  made.  The  distinction  of  metallic  col- 

•'•  This  description  of  colors,  is,  in  part,  from  Mobs'  Mineralogy, 


XVI  INTRODUCTION. 

ors,is  however  important,  in  descriptive  language,  and 
the  division  becomes  necessary  here,  on  that  account. 

A.   White. 

1.  Snow-white.  Pure  white    Ex.  Carrara  marble.    Gypsum. 

2.  Reddish-white.  White,  with  a  blush  of  red. 

3.  Yellowish-white.  Ex.  Several  varieties  of  Carbonate  of  lime,  and 
Quartz. 

4.  Greyish-white.  Ex.  Several  varieties  of  marble,  and  amorphous 
quartz. 

5.  Greenish-white.  Ex.  Foliated  talc.   Nephrite.  Prehnite. 

6.  Milk-white.  The  color  of  skiru-milk,  somewhat  inclining  to  blue. 
Ex.  Common  opal.  Common  quartz. 

B.  Grey. 

1.  Bluish-grey.  Grey,  with  a  tinge  of  blue,  commonly  not  very  dis- 
tinct; dull.  Ex.  Limestone.  Felspar.  Hornstone. 

2.  Pearl-grey.    A  mixture  of  grey,  with  blue,  and  a  tinge  of  red, 
very  distinct  in  the  pearl.    Ex.    Muriate  of  silver.     Sulphate  of  ba- 
rytes 

3.  Smoke-grey.     Grey,  mixed  with  brown.    Ex.    Flint.     Smoky 
quartz. 

4.  Greenish-grey.  Ex.  Cat's-eye.  Talc.  Asbestus. 

5.  Yellowish-grey.  Ex.  Common,  in  compact  limestone,  and  gyp- 
sum. 

6.  Ash-grey.  A  mixture  of  white  and  black,  the  purest  grey  color. 
Ex.  Zoisite.  Leucite. 

C.  Black. 

1.  Vtlvet-black.  The  purest  black  color.  Ex.  Schorl.  Jet.  Obsi- 
dian. 

;2.  Greyish-black.  Black,  mixed  with  grey,  without  tints  of  brown, 
green,  or  blue.  Ex.  Basalt  Variety  of  Magnetic  iron.  Some  varie- 
ties of  Marble 

3.  Greenish-black.  Black,  with  a  tinge  of  green.  Ex.  Hornblende. 
Hypersthene.  Augite. 

4.  Bruwnish-blaik.    Black,  mixed  with  brown.    Ex.    Bituminous 
mineral  coal.     Black  oxide  of  manganese. 

5.  Bluish-black.  This  is  a  rare  color.  Ex.    Dark  indicolite.  Black 
cobalt. 

D    Blue. 

1.  Prussian-blue,  or  Berlin-blue.  Next  to  ultra-marine,  the  purest 
blue  color.  Ex.  Sapphire.  Cyanite,  and  the  blue  variety  of  Kock-saJt. 

2.  Blackish-blue.  Blue,  mixed  with  black.  Ex.    Dark  azure  mala- 
chite.    Phosphate  of  iron. 

3.  Azure-blue.  Bright  blue,  with  a  tinge  of  red.    Ex.  Lapis  lazuli. 

4.  Violet-blue.  Blue,  mixed  with  red.  Ex.  Amethyst.  Purple  fluor- 
spar. 

5.  Lavender-blue.    Blue,  mixed  with  a  little  red,  and  much  grey, 
Ex.  Lithomarge.    Porcelain  Jasper. 


INTRODUCTION.  XVII 

6.  Plumb-blue.    Blue,  mixed  with  a  little  brown.  Ex.  Fluor-spar. 

7.  Smalt-blue.  Pale  clear  blue. 

8.  Indigo-blue.  Blue,  mixed  with  black,  and  a  tinge  of  green.  Ex. 
Indicolite. 

9.  Sky-blue.  Pale  blue,  with  a  little  green,  the  color  of  clear  sky. 
Ex.  Octahedral  Arseniate  of  Copper.  Fluor-spar. 

E.  Green. 

1.  Emerald-green.    The  purest  green  color.  Ex.    Beautifully  dis- 
tinct, in  the  finest  colored  Emerald.  Green  carbonate  of  copper. 

2.  Verdigris-green.    Green,  with  a  shade  of  blue.    Ex.    Amazon 
stone,  or  green  felspar. 

3.  Mountain-green.    Green,  with   considerable  portion  of  blue. 
Ex.  Beryl. 

4.  Leek-green.  Green,  with  a  little  brown.  Ex.  Prase. 

5.  Apple-green.    Light  green,   with  a  little  yellow.    Ex.  Chryso- 
prase.  Vesuvian.  Chrysoberyl. 

6.  Pistachio-green.    Green,  mixed  with  yellow  and  brown.    Ex. 
Crysolite.  Epidote. 

7.  Blackish-green.  Ex.  Serpentine.  Hypersthene. 

8.  Olive-green.    Pale  green,  with  brown  and  yellow.  Ex.  Olivine. 
Some  varieties  of  Pitchstone. 

F.  Yellow. 

1.  Lemmon-yellow.  The  purest  yellow  color.  Ex.  Orpiment. 

2.  Sulphur-yellow.  Yellow,  with  a  tinge  of  green.  Ex.  Native  sul- 
phur. 

3.  Straw-yellow.     Light  yellow,  with  a  little  grey.    Ex.  Pycnite. 
Amber. 

4.  Honey-yellow.    Yellow,  with  a  little  red  and  brown.   Ex.  Hon- 
eystone. 

5.  Ocre-yellow.  Yellow,  with  brown.  Ex.  Yellow  quartz. 

6.  Wine-yellow.  Yellow,  with  a  little  red  and  grey.    Ex.  Topaz. 

7.  Orange-yellow.  Yellow,  with  a  portion  of  red.    Ex.  Molybdate 
of  lead. 

G.  Red. 

1.  Carmine-red.     The  purest  red  coloi.    Ex.  Ruby.    Octahedral 
copper. 

2.  Aurora-red.    Red,  with  much  yellow,  like  the  tints  given  the 
clouds  by  the  setting  sun.  Ex.  Realger. 

3.  Hyacinth-red.  Red,  with  yellow,  and  a  little  brown.    Ex.  Hya- 
cinth. Garnet. 

4.  Brick-red.  Red,  with  brown  and  grey.  Ex.  Stilbite. 

5.  Scarlet-red.    Bright  red,  with  a  tint  of  yellow.    Ex.  Cinnabar. 
Ruby  silver. 

6.  Blood-red.  Red,  with  a  little  black.  Ex.  Pyrope. 

7.  Flesh-red.    Pale  red,  with  tints  of  yellow  and  grey.    Ex.  Car- 
nelian. 


XVIII  INTRODUCTION. 

8.  Cochineal-red.     Red,  with  a  little  blue  and  grey.  Ei.  Spinelle. 
Dodecahedral  garnet. 

9.  Rose-red.    Pale  red,  with  a  light  tint  of  yellow  and  grey.    Ex. 
Rose  quartz.    Carbonate  of  manganese. 

10.  Crimson-red.  Carmine-red,  with  a  tint  of  blue.  Ex.  The  finest 
color  of  the  Ruby.    Arseniate  of  cobalt. 

11    Broicnish-red.    Red,  with  much  brown.     Ex.  Red  haematite. 
Jasper. 

H.  Brown. 

1.  Chesnv.t-brown.  The  color  of  ripe  chesnuts.    The  purest  brown 
color.  Ex.  Egyptian  jasper.  Brown  haematite. 

2.  Yellowish-brown.     Brown,  with  much  yellow.    Ex.    Common 
jasper. 

3.  Reddish-brown.    Brown,  mixed  with  much  red.     Ex.  Jasper. 
Zircon. 

4.  Clove-brown.    Brown,  with  a  little  blue,  and  red.    Ex.  Horn- 
stone. 

5.  Hair-brown.  Brown,  with  a  little  yellow,  and  grey.   Ex.  Brown 
oxide  of  iron. 

6.  Wood-brown.    Color,  of  old  exposed  wood.   Ex.  Ligniform  as- 
bestus. 

7.  Liver-brown.  Greenish  brown.  Ex.  Common  jasper. 

8.  Blackish  brown.  Ex.  Brown  coal.  Bituminous  wood. 

7.  LUSTRE. 

§  10.  Lustre  is  a  character  of  more  importance,  than 
color  because  in  the  same  species,  it  is  more  uniform. 

Obs.  The  vitreous  lustre  of  quartz,  to  a  practised  eye,  is  generally 
a  pretty  decisive  character  of  the  mineral,  under  all  its  variety  of 
colors. 

§11.  In  the  description  of  minerals,  reference  is  made 
to  the  kind,  and  to  the  intensity  of  lustre. 

The  kinds  of  lustre  are, 

*  1 .  Metallic.  2.  Adamantine.  3.  Resinous.  4.  Vitreous. 
5.  Pearly. 

1.  Metallic  lustre.  It  has  the  aspect  of  a  metal.  Ex.  SuJphuret  of 
copper.  Galena.  Silver,  Brass,  &c. 

2.  Imperfect,  or  Semi-metallic  lustre.    Ex.  Titanium.    Haematite. 
Blende. 

3.  Pseudo-metallic  lustre.  This  is  applied  to  several  minerals,  which 
give  a  degree  of  metallic  lustre,  only  when  the  reflection,  is  in  a  cer- 
tain direction.  Ex.  Bronzite.  Mica. 

4.  Adamantine  lustre.  It  is  difficult  to  describe,  but  is  readily  dis- 
tinguished in  those  minerals,  where  it  is  present.    Ex.  Diamond.  Co- 
rundum. Carbonate  of  lead. 

5.  Resinous  lustre.    It  resembles  the  lustre  of  fractured  resin,  or 
a  substance  smeared  with  oil.  Lx.  Pitchstone.  Vesuvian. 


OTHO  J.  SMITH. 

INTRODUCTION.  XIX 

6.  Vitreous  lustre.  It  is  the  lustre  of  fractured  glass.  Ex.  Quartz- 
Beryl.  Topaz. 

7.  Rearly  lustre.  It  is  changeable,  and  some  minerals  possess  it, 
in  a  certain  direction  only.  Ex.  Cyanite    Aciynolite.  Argentine. 

8.  Silky  lustre.    It  resembles  the  lustre  of  satin.  Ex.  Satin-spar. 
Amianthus. 

§  12.  The  degrees,  or  intensity,  of  lustre  are,  1. 
Splendent.  2.  Shining.  3.  Glistening.  4.  Glimmering. 
5.  Dull. 

1.  Splendent  lustre.  This  is  intended  to  convey  an  idea  of  the  high- 
est polish,  which  minerals  possess,  in  the  native  state.     Ex.  Galena. 
Specular  oxide  of  iron.  Rock  crystal.  Volcanic  Hornblende. 

2.  Shining.  It  is  a  degree  less  than    splendent.     Ex.  Mica.  Sul- 
phate of  Barytes.  Blende. 

3.  Glistening.    It  does  not  reflect  sufficiently  to  define  an  image. 
Ex.  Felspar.  Fractured  Quartz.  Carbonate  of  Lime. 

4.  Glimmering.    Somewhat  less  than  the  above.  Ex.  Flint.  Horn- 
stone.  Asbestus. 

5.  Dull.  The  entire  absence  of  lustre.  Ex.  Chalk.  Ochre,  Marl. 

8.    PLAY  OP  COLORS. 

§  11.  Several  minerals  display  very  extraordinary 
phenomena,  in  respect  to  color.  These  peculiarities 
are  Play,  or  Change  of  Colors,  Opalescence,  Iridescence  and 
Tarnish. 

1.  Play,  of  Colors.     This   property    consists    in  the  transmis- 
sion of  differently  colored  rays  of  light,  as  the  mineral  is  turned  in  dif- 
ferent directions. 

This  curious  and  beautiful  property  appears  to  depend  on  the 
structure  of  the  mineral,  and  is  possessed  only  by  a  few  species. — 
Ex.  Precious  Opal.  This  beautiful  stone  presents,  as  it  is  turned  in 
various  directions  towards  the  light,  intense  and  playful  changes  of 
color,  which  proceed  from  the  interior,  presenting  as  it  is  turned,  V 
most  of  the  colors  of  the  rainbow. 

Labradorite.  When  this  is  cut  in  a  convex  eliptical  form,  it  pre- 
sents a  still  more  remarkable  play  of  colors,  consisting  in  some  spe- 
cimens, of  most  of  the  prismatic  rays,  several  of  which  are  seen  at  the 
same  instant.  These  colors  appear  to  proceed  from  just  within  the 
polished  surface,  but  not  from  the  axis  of  the  gem,  as  is  the  case  with 
the  opal. 

2.  Opalescence,  or  Chatoyment.  This  property  is  analagous  to  the 
above,  but  is  not  confined   to  the  reflection  of  brilliant  colors.     It 
means  more  particularly  a  changeful  play  of  light  from  the  interior. 
Ex.   Caf^eye.    This  beautiful  little  stone  illustrates  the  meaning  of 
this  property  in  perfection.     It  reflects,  as  it  is  turned  towards  the 
light,  milky  white,  greenish,  and  brownish  colors,  in  succession.  The 
Diamond,  some  varieties  of  Corundum,  and  opal,  also  Moonstone. 


.1  0*  TO 

INTRODUCTION.  XX 

which  is  a  variety  of  Adularia,  and  that  variety  of  sapphire  called  As- 
teria,  possess  more,  or  less  the  same  qualities.  This  property  is 
highly  valued  by  the  lapidaries,  and  often  greatly  enhances  the  prices 
of  particular  specimens. 

Obs.  In  the  Cat's-eye,  this  changeful  play  of  light,  is  supposed  to 
proceed  from  minute  fibres  of  amianthus  which  run  through  the  stone. 
In  opal  and  labradorite,  no  adequate  explanation  of  this  phenomenon 
has  yet  been  given. 

3.  Iridescence.  This  property  consists  in  the  actual  separation  of 
the  rays  of  light  into  the  prismatic  colors,  and  depends  on  the  princi- 
ple of  the  common  glass  prism,  or  perhaps,  on  that  of  Newton's  color- 
ed rings,  when  two  plates  of  glass  are  pressed  together.  It  pre-sup- 
poses  separations,  or  fissures,  in  the  interior  of  the  mineral,  and  is 
often  entirely  accidental.  Ex.  Rock-crystal,  often  displays  these 
colors  in  great  beauty.  In  some  specimens,  it  appears  to  arise  from 
the  natural  structure  of  the  mineral,  in  others  it  is  evidently  owing  to 
fissures  caused  by  a  blow  from  the  hammer. 

3.  Tarnish.  This  is  an  alteration  of  the  color  of  the  mineral,  on  the 
surface  merely,  and  probably  arises  from  different  degrees  of  oxida- 
tion. It  mostly  belongs  to  metallic  minerals,  or  such  as  contain  a 
portion  of  metal  in  their  cofn  positioner  investing  their  surfaces.  Some- 
times the  color  is  uniform,  as  in  carbonate  of  iron  :  in  other  instances 
it  is  of  different  shades,  in  the  same  specimen,  presenting  a  vivid  and 
very  beautiful  display  of  all  the  colors  of  the  rainbow.  It  is  then 
called  irised,  or  iridescent,  from  iris,  the  rainbow.  Ex.  Specular  ox- 
ide of  iron.  Anthracite  or  coal.  Copper  Pyrites,  and  many  other  sub- 
stances. 

Obs.  Pieces  of  ancient  window  glass,  on  the  exposed  side,  and 
pieces  of  common  glass,  which  have  lain  a  few  years  in  the  dirt,  ex- 
posed to  the  rain,  have  the  same  appearance.  Some  specinv.ns  of 
this  kind  have  a  thin  crust,  of  yellowish  decomposed  glass,  over  the 
colors,  which  is  easily  removed.  This  substance  forms  a  kind  of  jelly 
in  sulphuric  acid.  Probably  the  alteration  is  owing  to  the  loss  of  a 
part  of  the  potash,  which  the  glass  contains. 

9.    TRANSPARENCY. 

§  12.  This  is  an  important  property,  in  the  descrip- 
tive part  of  Mineralogy ;  for  although,  in  some  mine- 
rals, it  is  an  uncertain  character,  in  others  it  is  quite  dis- 
tinctive. It  has  several  degrees,  depending  on  the 
quantity  of  light  which  is  transmitted  through  the  min- 
eral. 

1.  Transparent.  When  objects  can  be  distinctly  seen  through  the 
specimen.  Ex.  Sihenite.  Iceland  spar.  Rock  crystal. 

2.  Semi-transparent.  When  objects  can  be  seen  through  the  min- 
eral, however  indistinctly.  Ex.  Adularia.  Sulphate  of  Strontian. 

3.  Translucent.  When  the  light  passes  through  it,  but  not  in  suffi- 
cient quantity  to  permit  objects  to  be  seen.    Ex.  Chalcedony.    Horn- 
stone.    Alabaster.  Felspar. 


INTRODUCTION.  XXI 

4.  Translucent  on  the  edges.    When  by  holding  the  thin  edge  of 
the  mineral,  between  the  eye  and  the  lis^ht,  some  rays  are  transmit- 
ted. Ex.  Flint.  Heliotrope.  Obsidian.  Blende. 

5.  Opake.  When  no  light  at  all  is  transmitted     Ex.  Hornblende. 
Jasper.  The  ores  of  Iron,  Sulphuretof  Lead,  and  Copper.  Coal.  Lig- 
nite. 

Obs.  Some  minerals  generally  described  as  opake,  transmit  a  small 
quantity  of  colored  light,  as  specular  oxide  of  iron,  which  between  the 
eye,  and  a  strong  light,  appears  blood  red,  and  gold  in  thin  leaves,  ap- 
pears green,  in  the  same  position. 

10.  FORM. 

§  13.  This  is  a  very  important  character,  and  may 
be  divided  into  three  kinds  or  varieties,  viz.  regular,  im- 
itative, and  amorphous. 

The  regular  forms,  all  arise  from  crystallization,  and  are  of  some 
determinate  geometrical  figure,  being  bounded  by  planes,  or  faces, 
which  meet,  forming  the  edges,  or  angles  of  the  crystals. 

Of  the  regular  forms,  two  kinds  are  distinguished,  viz.  the  primi- 
tive, and  the  secondary,  or  external. 

The  primitive  form,  is  the  nucleus,  or  centre  of  the  crystal,  and  is 
obtained  by  mechanical  division,  or  cleavage.  It  often  differs  from 
the  actual,  or  external  form  of  the  crystal,  as  presented  to  the  eye. 
In  many  cases,  however,  the  primitive  and  external  forms,  are  the 
same. 

The  secondary,  or  external  form,  is  that,  under  which  the  crystal 
appears,  when  entire.  In  some  instances,  however,  crystals  exhibit 
the  primitive  form,  in  the  natural  state. 

Imitative  forms.  These  are  the  result  of  confused,  or  disturbed 
crystallization,  or  are  merely  concretions. 

Amorphous,  or  Indeterminate  form.  When  the  mineral  is  neither 
regular,  nor  imitative,  it  is  called  amorphous. 

11.    PRIMITIVE  FORM. 

§  14.  Ithas  long  been  known  that  some  minerals,  when 
broken,  presented  smooth  shining  faces  in  certain  di- 
rections, and  that  by  particular  management,  they 
might  be  cleaved,  or  separated  into  plates,  or  slices, 
leaving  solids  of  definite,  geometrical  shapes.  By  pur- 
suing this  method,  it  has  been  ascertained,  that  almost 
every  crystallized  substance,  will  yield  to  cleavage  in 
one  direction  or  another,  and  that  by  continuing  this 
operation,  solids  of  regular,  and  certain  shapes,  are  ob- 
tained. The  solid  so  obtained,  is  the  primitive  crys- 
tal. 

§  15.  The  figure  of  the  primitive  crystal,  belonging 
to  the  same  species,  is  invariably  the  same. 

D 


XXII 


INTRODUCTION. 


O65.  Some  species,  however,  yield  several  varieties  of  form  ;  such 
is  the  case  with  fluor-spar,  which  affords  the  regular  octohedron,  the 
tetrahedron,  and  the  acute  rhomboid.  Of  these,  the  octohedron  has 
been  selected  as  the  primitive. 

§16.  The  individual  species  of  crystals,  do  not  each 
possess  a  primitive  form,  peculiar  to  themselves. 

On  the  contrary,  it  is  found  that  the  same  primitive, 
is  common  to  many  different  species,  possessing  vari- 
ous external  forms,  and  being  composed  of  entirely  dif- 
ferent chemical  consituents. 

Obs  The  primitive  form  ofjluor-spar,  red  oxide  of  copper,  oxide  of 
tin,  and  oxide  of  iron,  is  the  octohedron. 

§  17.  Notwithstanding  the  immense  variety  of  exter- 
nal forms,  under  \vhich  crystallized  bodies  appear,  the 
number  of  primitive   forms,  so  far  as  is  yet  known, 
amount  only  to  six. 
The  primitive  forms,  are  as  follows : 

Fig.  1.  The  parattelopiped. — This  form  offers  a 
variety  of  modifications.  It  includes  the  cube,  the 
four-sided  prism,  and  the  rhomb.  When  its  angles 
in  every  direction,  are  the  same,  and  the  size  of  its 
planes  are  alike,  it  is  a  cube.  When  it  is  elongated, 
or  extended  in  length,  it  is  the  four-sided  prism,  and 
when  its  angles  are  oblique,  it  becomes  a  rhomb.  The  four-sided 
prism  may  be  right,  or  oblique,  a  square,  or  a  rhomb.  The  rhomb 
may  be  acute,  or  obtuse,  as  its  angles  differ  from  90°. 

Fig.  2.  The  octohedron. — This  figure,  being  com- 
posed of  two  similar,  four-sided  pyramids,  joined  base 
to  base,  is  subject  to  various  modifications.  Thus  the 
two  pyramids,  may  be  depressed,  or  elongated.  The 
base  may  be  square,  or  oblique  ;  or  the  faces  of  the 
pyramids,  may  be  scalene,  or  isosceles  triangles. 

Fig.  3.  The  regular  tetrahedron. — The  faces  of  this 
figure,  are  always  similar  to  each  other,  the  solid  being 
contained  under  four  equilateral  triangles.  It  is  not, 
therefore,  subject  to  any  variety  of  form. 


Fig.  4.  The  regular  hexahedral  prism. — This  figure, 
is  contained  under  eight  planes,  viz.  six  lateral  ones, 
surrounding  the  crystal,  and  two  terminal  ones,  by  which 
each  end  is  bounded.  It  is  variable,  in  the  proportions 
between  the  height  of  the  prism,  and  the  extent  of  the 
terminal  planes. 


INTRODUCTION.  XXIII 

Fig.  5.  The  dodecahedron,  with  rhombic  faces.  This 
figure  is  contained  under  twelve  equal,  and  similar 
rhombic  laces,  and  is,  therefore,  not  subject  to  varia- 
tions. 


Fig.  6.  The  dodecahedron,  with  triangular  faces. — 
This  solid,  is  bounded  by  twelve  triangular  planes.  It 
may  be  considered,  as  two  six-sided  pyramids,  joined 
base  to  base,  and  is  variable  in  the  proportions  of  its 
height  and  breadth. 

12.    MECHANICAL  DIVISION,  OR  CLEAVAGE. 

§  17.  To  obtain  the  primitive  form,  it  is  of  course, 
necessary  to  cleave,  or  mechanically  divide  the  crys- 
tal. Many  crystals,  it  will  be  found,  are  composed  of 
layers  or  slices,  lying  over,  or  on  each  other,  with  na- 
tural joints  between  them.  It  is  between  these  natur- 
al joints,  that  mechanical  division  is  effected. 

Obs  1.  These  natural  joints,  are  very  obvious  in  some  minerals, 
as  in  felspar,  g  lena,  and  fluor.  In  others,  as  quartz,  they  are  not 
perceptible.  By  close  examination,  however,  the  direction  of  these 
joints  can  be  ascertained  in  most  minerals. 

•2.  In  some  instances,  it  is  necessary  to  take  the  advantage  of  a 
strong  light,  by  the  reflection  of  which,  the  face  of  a  natural  joint  may 
be  found,  and  the  direction  of  the  layers  ascertained.  It  is  general- 
ly necessary,  when  the  joints  are  obscure,  to  fracture  the  mineral,  and 
then  by  close  inspection,  the  shining  faces  of  some  of  the  layers  wiil 
be  found,  and  consequently  the  direction  in  which  cleavage  is  to  be 
attempted. 

§  18.  The  mode  of  effecting  cleavage,  depends  on 
the  nature  of  the  substance,  on  which  the  operation  is 
to  be  performed. 

Obs.  Galena  and  blende,  may  be  held  in  the  hand,  and  divided  by 
a  sharp  knife,  carefully  introduced  between  the  natural  joints  Fluor 
spar,  and  many  varieties  of  carbonate  of  lime,  require  to  be  laid  on  a 
table,  and  are  easily  separated  by  a  slight  blow  on  the  knife.  Ox- 
ide of  tin,  and  some  other  substances,  are  best  cleaved  by  the  pres- 
sure of  pincers,  along  the  natural  joints. 

§  19.  When  a  mineral  can  be  cleaved  only  in  direc- 
tions, producing  a  particular  form,  that  form  is  the 
primary  crystal. 

Obs.  1.  As  an  example,  calcareous  spar  may  be  taken.  This  sub- 
stance, when  all  its  sides  present  plane  shining  faces,  showing  that  it 
has  been  separated  at  the  natural  joints,  is  always  in  the  form  of  an 


XXiV 


INTRODUCTION. 


obtuse  rhomboid.  In  some  specimens,  where  the  natural  connec- 
tion is  not  strong,  striking  with  a  hammer,  answers  all  the  purposes 
of  cleavage,  and  it  will  be  found  on  close  inspection,  that  the  smallest 
particles  which  the  eye  can  distinguish,  are  still  rhombs,  of  precisely 
the  same  shape,  with  the  larger  masses. 

2.  In  the  present  instance,  therefore,  the  primary  and  secondary 
forms  are  the  same,  or  rather  the  mineral  always  appears  under  the 
primary  form. 

§  20.  Although  in  the  above  instance,  the  primary 
and  secondary  forms  are  the  same,  yet  in  many,  if  not 
in  a  majority  of  the  species,  they  differ  widely,  and  in- 
deed, often  appear  to  have  not  the  least  connection 
with  each  other. 


06s.  1.  The  common  secondary  form  of  fluor-spar,  is  the  cube, 
The  primary  form,  is  the  octohedron.  To  ascertain  this  fact,  and 
to  illustrate  the  practical  part  of  our  subject,  take  a  square  crystal  of 
fluor,  and  with  a  knife,  cleave  off  each  corner,  or  solid  angle.  Be- 
fore we  begin  this  operation,  it  may  be  remarked,  that  the  cube  is  a 
solid,  having  six  equal  sides,  and  eight  solid  angles,  or  corners.  By 
cleaving  off  each  corner,  we  obtain  a  new  figure,  consisting  of  14  fa- 
ces, (fig.l.)  viz.  eight  new  triangular  planes  instead  of  the  corners,  and 
a  part  of  the  six  original  planes  of  the  cube.  If  we  continue  the  oper- 
ation, and  take  off  slice  after  slice,  we  shall  find  that  every  trace  of 
the  original  cube  will  disappear,  and  that  we  shall  obtain  eight  plane 
faces,  instead  of  the  eight  corners  of  the  cube,  thus  forming  the  prim- 
itive octohedron,  in  the  middle  of  fig.  2.  This  operation  may  be  ve- 
ry readily  illustrated,  with  a  piece  of  soft  wood,  or  a  potatoe,  and  a 
sharp  knife 

2.  After  having  obtained  the  octohedron,  by  cleaving  our  crystal 
of  fluor,  if  the  same  operation  be  continued,  we  shall  lessen  the  size  of 
the  crystal,  but  in  no  wise  alter  its  form,  hence  this  is  considered  the 
primitive  form  of  fluor. 

§21.  Having  ascertained  how  the  cube  may  be  con- 
verted into  the  octohedron  by  cleavage,  let  us  now 
suppose  that  the  cube  is  the  primitive  form,  and  the 
octohedron  one  of  its  secondary  modifications,  as  is 
the  case  with  sulphuret  of  lead. 


INTRODUCTION. 


XXV 


1.  The  octahedron,  has  eight  triangular  faces,  and  six  solid 
angles,  or  corners. 

2.  If  each  corner  of  this  figure  be  truncated  or  cleaved  off,  we 
shall  obtain  a  figure  bounded  by  14  faces,  as  in  the  former  instance, 
but  the  new  faces  will  be  squares  instead  of  triangles,  thus  making  a 
figure  which  approaches  the  cube,  as  the  triangular  faces  of  the  cleav- 
ed cube,  approached  the  octohedron. 


3.  Fig.  1.  The  octohedron  with  its  cleaved  angles,  as  shown  by 
the  dotted  lines. 

4.  By  pursuing  the  cleavage,  it  is  obvious  by  fig.  2,  that  we  shall  ulti^ 
mately  obtain  the  cube,  which  is  enclosed  in  that  figure,  and  that 
nothing  is  wanting  for  this  purpose,  but  the  further  truncation  of  the 
projecting  angles,  by  which  the  cube  is  surrounded. 

5.  This  operation  may  be  readily  employed  on  an  octohedral  crys- 
tal of  galena,  and  a  brilliant  cube  obtained,  whose  form  cannot  be  al- 
tered by  further  cleavage.     This,  therefore,  is  the  primary  form  of 
galena. 

6.  These  easy  examples,  are  sufficient  to  give  the  young  mineral- 
ogist an  idea  of  what  is  understood,  by  primitive,  and  secondary  forms, 
and  also  of  mechanical  division,  or  cleavage. 

13.    STRUCTURE. 

§  22.  Structure  is  the  consequence,  of  the  particular 
arrangement  of  the  particles,  composing  the  mineral. 

Obs.  1.  The  figures  of  all  crystalline  substances,  must  be  deter- 
mined by  shapes  of  the  integrant  particles,  of  which  they  are  com- 
posed, and  the  arrangement  they  take  in  respect  to  each  other.  In 
the  secondary  forms,  we  observe,  that  the  shape  of  the  crystal  is  con- 
stantly changing,  as  it  is  cleaved  in  different  directions. 

2.  It  is  certain,  therefore,  that  nature  observes  some  definite,  and 
invariable  laws  in  their  formation,  for  every  crystal  of  the  same  sub- 
stance, no  matter  where  it  is  from,  will  be  found  10  yield  to  cleavage 
in  the  same  directions,  and  ultimately  to  produce  exactly  the  same 
result.  Now  this  result  would  be  unaccountable,  on  any  other  sup- 
position, except  that  the  particles  are  of  the  same  shape,  and  that  dur- 
ing the  process  of  crystallization,  they  should  take  the  same  arrange- 
ment in  respect  to  each  other. 


XXV1  INTRODUCTION. 

I 

§  23.  The  slices,  or  layers,  which  are  removed  by 
the  process  of  cleavage,  are  called  by  Hauy,  the  lamina 
of  superposition.  These  laminae,  it  is  supposed,  are  com- 
posed of  an  infinite  number  of  integrant  particles,  so 
arranged,  as  to  produce  the  particular  forms,  under 
which  crystals  appear. 

Obs.  It  is  not  understood  that  the  forms  of  the  integrant  particles, 
can  be  ascertained  by  any,  or  all  of  our  senses.  They  may  be  con- 
sidered as  infinitely  small,  when  compared  with  the  most  minute  ob- 
ject of  which  we  have  cognizance.  By  the  cleavage  of  primitive 
forms,  together  with  certain  geometrical  calculations,  it  has,  howev- 
er, been  reduced  to  some  degree  of  certainty,  that  the  forms  of  the 
integrant  particles,  are  only  five. 

These  are  the  four-sided  prism;  the  cube  ;  the  tetrahedron  ;  the 
rhomb  ;  and  the  triangular  prism. 

§  24.  If  the  forms  of  the  integrant  particles,  are  only 
five,  then  a  great  number  of  crystals  must  possess  the 
same  integrant  forms,  though  externally,  their  shapes 
are  widely  different. 

O65.  1.  To  account  for  the  immense  variety  of  external  forms, 
when  the  forms  of  the  integrant  particles  are  so  few,  let  us  remember 
what  an  immense  number  of  different  geometrical  figures  could  be 
produced,  by  changing  the  position  of  only  a  thousand  cubical,  or  tri- 
angular blocks  of  wood. 

2.  By  this  illustration,  it  is  true,  that  the  pyramidal  terminations, 
the  rhombs,  &/c.  would  not  present  smooth  faces,  because  the  angles 
of  our  wooden  blocks  might  project  ;  but  had  we  the  power  of  see- 
ing and  feeling  the  integrant  particles,  of  which  crystals  are  compos- 
ed, it  is  not  probable  that  a  single  mineral  with  which  we  are  ac- 
quanted,  would  appear  smooth. 

§  25.  The  obvious  structure  of  a  mineral,  as  shown 
by  its  fracture,  or  cleavage,  is  a  character  of  consider- 
able importance,  in  descriptive  mineralogy. 

Obs.  1.  It  has  been  stated,  (22)  that  the  structure  of  a  mineral 
depended  on  the  shape,  and  arrangement  of  the  particles,  of  which  it 
is  formed.  What  we  mean  by  obvious  structure,  is  such  as  result  in 
the  arrangement  of  these  particles,  as  to  produce  characters  which 
*we  can  perceive  by  the  sight  or  touch  For  example,  in  some  min- 
erals, this  arrangement  is  such  as  to  produce  fibres,  in  others  lamina, 
in  others  grains,  &,c.  In  each  of  these  cases,  where  this  arrange- 
ment is  constant,  it  becomes  a  known  characteristic  of  the  mineral, 
and  is  employed  in  describing  it. 

§  26.  The  natural  joints  of  a  crystal,  and  consequently 
the  direction  in  which  it  can  be  mechanically  divided, 
are  dependent  on  its  structure. 


INTRODUCTION.  XXVII 

Obs.  Some  minerals  possess  natural  joints,  in  only  one  direction, 
tthers  in  two,  and  others  in  three  directions. 

§  27.  The  following  kinds,  or  varieties  of  structure,  are 
noticed  in  the  descriptions  of  minerals. 

O6s.  1.  Fibrous  structure.  This  structure  evidently  arises  from 
the  presence  of  small  elongated  crystals.  The  fracture  presents  a 
surface,  composed  of  fibres,  or  threads,  running  in  various  directions. 
Sometimes,  as  in  bysolite  and  amianthus,  these  threads  are  so  fine, 
as  scarcely  to  be  individually  distinguished  ;  in  other  cases,  as  in 
actynolite,  they  are  a  line  or  more  broad,  and  gradually  pass  into  the 
foliated  structure.  Sometimes  the  fibres  are  so  closely  arranged,  as 
to  make  the  mineral  appear  compact,  as  in  satin-spar  and  tremolite. 

§  2:->.  In  descriptive  language,  several  distinctions 
are  made,  in  respect  to  the  relative  directions  in  which 
the  fibres  are  arranged. 

Parallel,  when  they  run  straight,  as  in  Tremolite.  Diverging, 
when  they  shoot  off  in  different  directions,  as  in  fibrous  Hornblende. 

Stellated,  or  Radiated,  when^they  diverge  from  a  common  point  in 
all  directions,  as  in  Wavellite,  Brown  H&matite. 

Promiscuous,  when  they  cross  each  other  in  all  directions,  as  in 
compact  plumose  Antimony.  Fasciculated,  when  collected  into  bun- 
dles as  in  Arroganite. 

2.  Foliated  structure.  This  structure  exists  in  such  minerals  as 
present  smooth  shining  faces  when  cleaved,  or  fractured.     They  are 
composed  of  layers  or  leaves  closely  incumbent  on  each  other,  as  in 
Mica,  Talc,  Orpiment. 

Laminated  or  Lamellar,  when  the  layers  are  not  so  thin,  and  easi- 
ly separable  as  in  the  foliated,  but  still  present  plane  polished  surfa- 
ces, as  in  Felspar,  Galena,  Cyanite. 

Where  the  faces  exposed  by  cleavage  are  extensive,  it  is  called 
broad  foliated.  The  state  of  the  surface  is  also  noticed,  as  whether 
the  folia  are  straight  and  smooth,  curved,  undulated,  or  indeterminate. 

The  degrees  of  perfection  in  this  structure,  are  perfectly  foliated, 
when  the  broad  shining  folia  are  easily  separable,  as  in  Sdenite  and 
Mica. 

Imperfectly  foliated,  when  the  surface  is  undulating,  or  rough,  as 
in  Argentine,  Native  Antimony. 

3.  Bladed  structure.    This  may  be  considered   intermediate  be- 
tween fibrous  and  foliated.     It  appears  to  be  the  result  of  imperfect, 
or  compressed  crystallization.     The  crystals  are  commonly  long  and 
narrow,  resembling  the  blade  of  a  knife,  as  in  one  variety  of  Tremo- 
lite. 

4.  Slaty  structure.  This  is  nearly  allied  to  the  laminated ;  but  the 
layers  are  thicker  and  more  extensive,  and  want  the  shining  lustre  of 
the  foliated  structure.     This  structure  exists  in  depositions,  rather 
than  in  crystals.   The  surfaces  may  be  undulated,  curved,  or  straight, 
as  in  clay-slate,  roofs/att,  and  some  varieties  of  indurated  clay. 

5.  Granular  structure.  This  arises  from  the  aggregation  of  small 


XXVIII  INTRODUCTION. 

particles  into  grains,  which  are  again  united  into  masses.  The  frac- 
ture of  this  structure,  presents  a  surface  which  is  uneven  and  rough 
to  the  touch,  as  in  Coccolite,  Sandstone. 

6  Compact  structure.  When  the  grains  are  so  fine  as  not  readily  to 
be  distinguished  by  the  eye,  it  is  compact,  as  in  Jasper,  Carnelian. 

14.    FRACTURE. 

§  28.  By  fracture  is  understood,  the  forcible  sepa- 
ration of  a  mineral  into  parts,  without  attention  to  its 
structure,  or  natural  joints. 

O65.  Every  mineral  can  be  fractured,  whether  it  is  cleavable  or 
not.  Cleavage  separates  the  specimen  at  the  natural  pints,  fracture 
forces  it  asunder  in  any  direction. 

§  29.  The  faces  produced  by  breaking  a  mineral, 
are  called  faces  of  fracture,  and  it  is  found  that  their 
faces  differ  greatly  in  respect  to  direction,  aspect  and 
smoothness,  in  the  different  species,  hence  for  descrip- 
tive purposes,  fracture  is  divided  into  varieties,  or 
kinds. 

1.  Conchoidal  fracture.  When  it  appears  as  though  the  face  of  the 
mineral  was  scooped  out,  resembling  the  inside  of  a  shell.  The  out- 
er edges  of  this  fracture,  and  sometimes  the  whole  concavity  are  wa- 
?ed,  being  surrounded  with  small  risings  and  depressions,  from  the 
point  where  the  specimen  is  struck  to  the  diameter.  The  fracture 
is  said  to  be  flat,  when  the  concavity  is  shallow  ;  deep  when  the  de- 
pression is  great  in  comparison  with  its  extent.  It  is  also  perfect,  im- 
perfect, large  or  small.  Flint,  Carnelian,  and  Semi-Opal,  are  good 
examples  of  conchoidal  fracture. 

2.  Splintery  fracture.  When  the  pieces  struck  off  are  straight, 
thin,  and  nearly  flat,  in  the  form  of  scales,  the  fracture  is  called  splin- 
tery. Sometimes  the  scales,  or  wedge-shaped  pieces,  adhere  by  the 
thicker  ends,  to  the  specimen,  and  allow  light  to  pass  through  them, 
so  that  we  can  decide  whether  it  is  coarse,  or  fine  splintery.  None 
but  compact  minerals  have  this  fracture,  as  Quartz.  Flint.  Jade. 
Hornstone. 

3  Even  fracture.  This  is  the  kind  of  fracture  that  shews  the  few- 
est inequalities,  the  faces  being  more  or  less  plane  and  smooth.  It 
passes  into  flat,  conchoidal,  and  splintery.  Ex.  Compact  Galena. 
Flint. 

4.  Uneven  fracture.  The  faces  of  this  kind,  display  angular  eleva- 
tions and  depressions ;  their  size  depending  on  the  coarseness  or  fine- 
ness, of  the  grain  of  the  mineral.     Hence  the  distinctions,   coarse 
grained  uneven,  as  in  Granite,  and  Jine  grained  uneven,  as  in  Sand- 
stone. 

5.  Earthy  fracture.    This  is  applied  to  such  minerals  as   shew 
many  small  deviations,   and  depressions,  without  the  angular  form. 
It  occurs  in  opake,  dull  minerals  only,  as  Indurated  Clay,  Chal/c,  frr. 


INTRODUCTION.  XXIX- 

6.  Hackly  fracture.  This  consists  of  small  inequalities  which  are 
sharp  and  rough  to  the  touch.  It  is  peculiar  to  the  metals,  as  Native 
Copper,  Native  Iron. 

15.    FRANGIBILITY. 

§  30.  By  this  term  is  meant  the  resistance  which 
minerals  offer  to  fracture,  or  the  forcible  separation  of 
their  particles.  It  has  no  relation  to  hardness,  or  clea- 
vage. 

Obs.  The  distinction  will  be  understood  by  an  example.  Quartz, 
is  much  harder  than  hornblende,  or  jade,  and  yet  a  blow  that  would 
shiver  quartz  to  atoms,  would  hardly  effect  either  of  the  others. 

The  degrees  of  frangibility,  or  toughness,  are,  very  tough  as  in  Na- 
tive Copper,  Jade ;  tough,  as  in  Serpentine,  Hornstone  ;  moderately 
tough,  as  in  Flint,  Jusper ;  brittle,  as  in  Opal,  Fluor  Spar ;  very 
brittle,^  in  Galena,  Tremulite. 

16.  SHAPE  OP  THE  FRAGMENTS. 

§  31.  If  we  take  specimens  of  several  species  of  min- 
erals, and  give  each  such  a  blow  with  a  hammer,  as  to 
break,  or  separate  it  into  parts,  it  will  be  found  that  the 
fragments  differ  greatly  in  respect  to  shape.  Hence 
the  shape  of  the  fragments,  is  sometimes  noticed  in  de- 
scribing minerals. 

Obs.  In  minerals  which  are  easily  separated  at  their  natural  joints, 
a  blow  with  the  hammer,  has  all  the  effects  of  cleavage,  and  the  min- 
eral breaks  into  regular  forms.  Thus,  Common  Salt  separates  into 
cubes.  Rhombic  Spar,  into  rhombs,  and  Asbexti/s  and  Bituminous 
wood,  into  splinters,  &,c.  But  where  the  mineral  has  no  natural 
joints,  or  is  not  easily  separable  in  any  particular  direction,  the  frag* 
ments  are  irregular  in  their  shapes,  and  their  edges  only  are  noticed. 
Thus,  some  are  sharp  edged,  as  Flint,  and  Obsidium ;  or  blunt  edged, 
as  in  Soap  stone,  and  Gypsum. 

17.    SURFACE. 

§  32.  This  character  refers  to  the  external  surface 
of  the  mineral,  or  the  surface  of  what  are  called  dis- 
tinct concretions,  and  not  to  the  faces  brought  to  view  by 
fracture. 

Of  this  character,  several  varieties  are  mentioned,  viz.  smooth,  as 
in  Heamatite,  Stalactite ;  streaked  longitudinally,  as  in  Schorl; 
or  transversely,  as  in  Quartz  ;  drusy,  when  the  surface  is  covered 
with  minute  crystals,  as  in  Stalactical  Quartz. 

E 


XXX  INTRODUCTION- 

IS.    TOUCH. 

§  33.  There  is  much  difference  in  respect  to  the  feel- 
ing of  minerals,  even  in  their  rough  state,  and  in  cer- 
tain instances,  this  is  an  important  character. 

Obs.  The  varieties  of  this  character,  are  as  follow.  Unctuous  as 
Talc,  Soapstone ;  smooth,  as  Mica,  Selimte  ,  meagre,  or  dry,  as 
Chalk ;  rough,  as  Coccolite ;  harsh,  as  Tremolite. 

19    COLDNESS. 

34.  Different  minerals,  with  smooth  faces,  when 
exposed  to  the  same  temperature,  convey  different  de- 
grees of  coldness  to  the  touch. 

Obs.  This  difference,  obviously  depends  on  the  various  powers 
which  substances  possess  of  conducting  caloric.  Thus  a  metal  feels 
cold  because  it  conducts  caloric  from  the  hand,  while  a  piece  of  wood, 
having  no  such  power,  conveys  no  such  sensation-  Compactness,  or 
specific  gravity,  seems  to  have  more  or  lees,  the  same  effect  among 
minerals.  Jasper,  and  agate,  are  evidently  colder  than  limestone, 
and  gypsum.  The  gems,  as  topaz,  amethyst,  ruby,  &c.  can  be  in- 
stantly distinguished  from  their  imitations  in  colored  glass,  by  their 
greater  coldness,  when  touched  to  the  lip,  or  tongue.  Quartz,  can 
be  distinguished  from  paste,  in  the  same  way. 

20.  ODOR. 

§  35.  This  character  applies  only  to  a  few  species, 
as  most  minerals  have  no  smell  at  all.  When,  howev- 
er, it  does  exist,  it  is  generally  a  decisive  character. 

Obs.  When  a  mineral  is  heated,  and  emits  the  alliaceoas,  or  gar- 
lic odor,  it  is  a  decisive  indication  of  arsenic.  The  odors  observed 
in  minerals,  are,  fetid,  as  in  Swinestone  ;  bituminous  as  in  Shale, 
when  it  is  struck  ;  argillaceous,  as  in  Moistened  Clay,  Chlorite,  Clay- 
Slate  ;  sulphureous,  as  in  the  Sulphurets,  when  under  the  blowpipe. 

21.  TASTE 

§  36.  This  character  is  very  limited,  as  it  applies 
only  to  such  minerals  as  are  soluble  in  water. 

Obs.  The  taste  may  be  saline  as  in  Nitre  ;  astringent  as  in  Alum, 
Green,  and  Blue  Vitriol;  urinous,  as  in  Salamoniac. 

22.    ADHESION  TO  THE  TONGUE. 

§  37.  This  character  exists  in  dry  porous  minerals, 
which  have  a  disposition  to  imbibe  moisture. 

Obs.  In  most  instances  these  are  argillaceous  substances,  as  Litho- 
marge,  Cimoline,  Pipe  Cloy,  Sometimes,  also,  substances  in  a  de- 
composing state,  adhere,  as  Cacholong,  Hydropkane, 


INTRODUCTION.  XXXI 

23.    SOIL  OR  STAIN. 

§  38.  Some  minerals,  when  handled,  soil  the  fingers, 
and  when  rubbed  on  paper,  leave  a  trace. 

Obs.  In  a  few  instances,  the  trace  differs  in  color,  from  the  appar- 
ent color  of  the  mineral,  and  in  this  way,  may  be  a  distinctive  char- 
acter, as  in  Suljj/iuret  of  Molybdena. 

24.  STREAK. 

§  39.  By  this  character,  is  meant  the  streak  or  pow- 
der, which  is  left  on  the  softer  minerals  after  being- 
scratched  with  a  sharp  point,  or  with  a  knife.  It  is  ap- 
plied cliefly  to  the  softer  minerals  and  ores. 

Obs.  In  some  minerals,  the  streak  is  similar  in  color  to  the  mineral, 
as  in  Chalk,  wliitt  Marble.  In  others  it  is  dissimilar,  as  in  dark  Specu- 
lar Oxide  of  Iron,  the  streak  or  powder  is  red  ;  in  brown  Roof  slate,  it 
is  white.  In  most  instances,  the  streak  is  paler  than  the  mineral. 

25.    HARDNESS. 

§  40.  This  is  an  important  character,  and  therefore,  is 
very  generally  used  in  descriptions.  It  is  that  pro- 
perty in  the  mineral,  by  which  it  resists  impressions. 
It  therefore,  must  be  in  proportion  to  the  force  with 
which  the  integrant  particles  cohere.  It  differs  en- 
tirely from  fmngibility.  which  regards  a  separation  of 
the  grosser  p-irticles.  Thus,  a  piece  of  quartz  which 
is  broken  with  a  slight  blow  from  the  hammer,  wrill 
scratch  hornblende,  which  is  broken  with  great  diffi- 
culty. The  hornblende,  therefore,  has  the  greatest 
tenacity,  while  the  quartz  has  the  greatest  hardness. 

Obs.  I.  It  is  only  by  comparison,  that  the  degrees  of  hardness  can 
be  ascertained.  The  common  mode,  therefore,  is  to  take  a  few  well 
known  substances,  as  standards  of  comparison,  and  Quartz  and  Glass, 
are  most  frequently  employed  for  this  purpose.  Thus  Quartz, 
Agate,  Flint,  Chalcedony,  and  the  other  minerals  about  the  hardness 
quartz,  scratch  glass.  Corundum,  sapphire,  ruby,  hyacinth,  and 
other  minerals,  scratch  quartz  ;  it  being  understood  that  such  sub- 
stances as  scratch  quartz,  are  not  to  be  compared  with  glass. 

2  Minerals  which  do  not  scratch  glass  generally  yield  to  the  knife, 
as  Marble,  Fluor,  Galena,  and  others.  It  is,  however,  requisite  to  dis- 
tinguish whether  they  are  scratched  with  ease,  or  with  difficulty. 
Thus  Felspar,  which  is  about  as  hard  as  glass,  yields  to  the  knife  with 
difficulty,  while  Marble  yields  with  ease. 

3.  A  still  lower  degree  of  hardness,  than  those  compared  with  the 
knife,  are  such  as  yield  to  the  nail.  For  this  purpose,  the  thumb  nail 
is  used.  Gypsum,  Talc,  and  most  of  the  Clays,  yield  to  the  nail. 


XXXII  INTRODUCTION. 

4.  Giving  sparks  icitli  steel,  is  another  test  of  hardness.     This, 
however,  is  perhaps  a  less  certain  mode  than  either  of  those  mention- 
ed above.     The  common  flint,  though  less  hard  than  many  other  bo- 
dies, is  said  to  make  by  far  the  best  gun  flints,  and  to  give  more  co- 
pious scintilations  than  even  sapphire. 

5.  Thejile  is  also  used  as  a  test  of  hardness,  and  in  polished  spe- 
cimens, where  we  wish  to  distinguish  real  stones  from  imitations,  it 
is  the  best  instrument      For  this  purpose,  it  should  be  of  the  finest 
kind.     All  imitations  are  easily  marked  with  it,  while  stones  no  har- 
der than  quartz,  require  force  to  make  the  least  impression. 

26.  TENACITY. 

§  41.  This  property  belongs  to  the  native,  malleable, 
or  ductile  metals,  and  in  consequence  of  it,  we  are  en- 
abled to  hammer  them  into  plates,  and  draw  them  into 
wire. 

06s.  Native  Gold,  Silver  and  Copper,  are  examples. 
27.  SECTILITY. 

§  42.  A  substance  is  called  sectile,  when  it  can  be  cut 
without  flying  in  pieces. 

Gypsum,  Talc,  Clay,  are  examples. 

28     ELECTRICITY. 

§  43.  Several  minerals  produce  electrical  phenome- 
na ;  some  of  them  by  friction,  others  by  pressure,  and 
others  by  heat.  Some  are  electric  of  themselves  ;  oth- 
ers are  conductors  of  electricity.  These  phenomena, 
may  be  usefully  applied  as  characters  of  minerals. 

Obs.  1.  There  are  two  kinds  of  elictricity,  viz.  positive  and  nega- 
tive, called  also  vitreous  and  resinous.  When  two  substances  possess 
the  same  kind  of  electricity,  on  being  brought  together,  they  repel 
each  other.  If  one  is  positive,  and  the  other  negative,  they  attract 
each  other. 

2.  A  considerable  number  of  minerals,  become  electric  by  rub- 
bing them  on  the  dry  hand,  or  on  a  piece  of  silk,  woollen  cloth,  or 
fur.     A  small  number  become  electric  by  being  heated.     These  are 
called  pyro-electric.     A  curious  property,  observed  in  some  pyro-elec- 
tric  crystals,  is,  that  they  acquire  the  positive  electricity  at  one  end, 
and  the  negative  at  the  other,  at  the  same  time.     In  most  cases,  such 
crystals  terminate  in  a  different  number  effaces  at  each  end,  and  it 
is  also  a  remarkable  fact,  that  the  end  having  the  greatest  number  of 
faces,  is  positive.     If  the  terminations  are  alike,  the  crystal  seldom 
acquires  electricity  at  all.     The  substance  which  best  displays  these 
properties,  is  Tourmaline. 

3.  In  most  instances,  stones  and  salts,  with  smooth  surfaces,  ac- 
quire positive  electricity  by  friction.     Examples  are  found  in  Quartz, 


INTRODUCTION.  XXXIIl 

Mica,  Sapphire,  Barytes,  fyc.     If  they  have  rough  surfaces,  they  ao 
quire  negative  electricity,  by  the  same  process. 

4.  For  observing  the  electricity  of  minerals,  the  simple  electrome- 
ter represented  by  the  figure,  is  recommended  by  the  Abbe  Hauy,  and 
is  thus  described  by  Prof.  Cleveland. 


"In  this  figure,  a.  b.  is  a  needle  of  copper,  terminated  at  each  ex- 
tremity, by  a  small  ball,  and  moving  very  easily  on  a  pivot  in  the  cen- 
tre. At  c.  the  instrument  has  a  metallic  base.  If  a  mineral,  which 
has  been  excited,  either  by  friction  or  heat,  be  presented  near  to  one 
of  the  balls,  the  needle  turns,  whether  it  be  positive  or  negative  ;  and 
the  force  of  the  electricity  may  be  estimated  by  the  distance  at  which 
the  needle  begins  to  move.  To  determine  the  kind  of  electricity  a 
mineral  possesses,  the  needle  must  previously  be  electrified,  either 
positively  or  negatively  ;  which  may  be  done  in  the  following  man- 
ner. Let  the  instrument  be  insulated  by  placing  it  on  d.  a  plate  of 
glass  or  resin.  Having  excited  a  tube  of  glass,  or  a  stick  of  sealing 
wax,  place  one  finger  on  the  metallic  base  c.  of  the  electrometer,  and 
then  bring  the  excited  glass  or  sealing  wax  e.  within  a  small  distance 
of  one  of  the  balls  of  the  needle.  When  the  needle  is  sufficiently 
electrified,  first  withdraw  the  finger,  and  then  remove  the  glass,  or 
sealing  wax.  If  now  an  excited  mineral  be  presented  to  the  needle, 
they  will  repel,  or  attract  each  other  according  as  they  possess  the 
same,  or  opposite  kinds  of  electricity.  But  as  the  electricity  of  the 
needle  is  known,  that  of  the  mineral  may  be  determined." — Cleve- 
land's Mineralogy. 

6.  In  respect  to  the  production  of  electrical  phenomena  by  pres- 
sure, M.  Hauy  states,  that  if  a  thin  rhombic  plate  of  carbonate  of  lime, 
be  insulated,  and  pressed  upon  its  two  broader  surfaces,  it  acquires 
positive  electricity,  which  sometimes  continues  for  several  days.  It 
appears  that  this  property  is  possessed  only  by  transparent  crystalliz- 
ed substances,  which  can  be  cleaved  into  thin  laminae,  as  Iceland 
Spar,  Mica,  &.c. 

29.    MAGNETISM. 

§  44.  The  magnetic  property  belongs  to  the  metals, 
iron,  and  nickel  only.  As  a  descriptive  character, 
it  is  confined  here  to  iron  only,  and  is  of  great  use  in 
distinguishing  the  ores  oi  this  metal,  from  others. 

Obs.  1.  The  magnetic  property  is  weakened,  and  in  many  in- 
stances entirely  destroyed,  by  a  natural  combination  of  oxygen,  sul- 


XXXIV  INTRODUCTION. 

phur,  or  arsenic  with  the  iron.  Thus  several  of  the  Oxides,  the 
Sulphuret,  and  the  Arseniate  of  Ironware  not  magnetic,  unless  previ- 
ously heated  so  strongly  as  to  deprive  them  of  a  part  of  their  oxygen, 
sulphur,  or  arsenic. 

2.  In  examining  the  magnetism  of  minerals,  the  magnetic  needle 
should  turn  with  great  delicacy,  and  its  power  be  only  just  sufficient 
to  give  it  polarity,  otherwise  it  will  not  be  effected  by  minerals  of  low 
attractive  powers. 

3.  Minerals  suspected  to  contain   iron,  which  are  not  magnetic, 
must  always  be  subjected  to  the  blowpipe,  before  the  fact  can\e  as- 
certained.    If  they  are  oxides,  a  little  oil,  or  tallow,  on  the  charcoal 
with  them,  will  assist  to  extract  the  oxygen. 

4.  Any  person,  by  bending  a  common  knitting  needle  so  that  it 
may  be  suspended  on  the  point  of  a  sewing  needle,  and  touching  the 
end  of  the  first  with  a  magnet,  can  construct  an  apparatus  sufficient 
for  trying  the  magnetism  of  minerals. 

30.    SPECIFIC  GRAVITY. 

§  45.  Specific  gravity,  is  the  weight  of  one  body,  com- 
pared with  that  of  another  body,  of  equal  bulk.  The 
mode  of  ascertaining  the  specific  gravity  of  a  substance, 
depends  on  the  form  in  which  it  occurs.  If  it  is  a  solid, 
heavier  than  water,  it  is  first  weighed  in  that  fluid,  and 
then  in  the  air,  and  the  ratio  of  difference,  is  the  spe- 
cific gravity.  If  it  is  a  fluid,  a  certain  quantity  of  water 
is  weighed  ;  and  then  exactly  the  same  quantity  of  the 
fluid,  whose  specific  gravity  we  wish  to  ascertain,  is 
weighed,  and  the  ratio  of  difference,  is  its  specific  gra- 
vity. 

Obs.  I.  In  the  first  place,  the  student  must  understand  that  the 
specific  gravity  of  »a  body  is  its  weight,  wnen  compared  with  the 
weight  of  water,  of  an  equal  bulk.  Thus,  when  we  say  that  the  dia- 
mond has  a  sp.  gr.  of  4,  we  mean  that  it  is  4  times  as  heavy  as  a 
quanity  of  water,  of  the  same  bulk  with  the  diamond. 

2.  Water,  therefore,  is  the  unit,  or  standard  of  comparison,  and 
has  in  this  respect,  a  sp.  gr.  of  1,  100,  or  1000,  the  decimals  being 
added  as  far  as  the  case  requires,  A  cubic  foot  of  distilled  water, 
weighs  1000  avoirdupois  ounces,  if  then  a  cubic  foot  of  silver  weighs 
9000  ounces,  the  sp.  gr.  of  silver  is  9,  that  of  water  being  1. 

§  16.  If  a  body  is  suspended  in  water,  and  weighed, 
its  weight  will  be  diminished,  by  exactly  the  weight  of 
a  quantity  of  water  equal  to  its  bulk. 

Ofo.  The  reason  of  this  is  obvious,  for  if  the  body  was  not,  bulk, 
for  bulk,  heavier  than  the  water,  it  would  not  displace  the  fluid,  so  as 
to  sink  ;  but  if  it  does  sink,  its  decrease  of  weight  must  be  just  equal  to 
the  quantity  of  water  it  disolaces.  Archemides  made  use  of  this  prin* 
ciple,  to  discover  that  Hiero's  gold  crown,  was  alloyed  with  silver, 


INTRODUCTION.  XXXV 

§  47.  It  is  on  the  above  principle,  that  Nicholsons 
Portable  Balance,  for  taking  specific  gravities  is  con- 
structed. 


O6s.  1.  The  construction  of  this  instrument,  will  be  understood  by 
reference  to  the  figure.  The  body,  is  a  hollow  cylinder  of  tinned 
iron,  or  varnished  copper,  terminated  at  each  extremity,  a  b  by  a  cone. 
From  the  vertex  of  the  upper  cone,  rises  the  small  stem  of  brass  or 
copper,  a,  ct  bearing  on  its  upper  extremity,  the  small  tin  cup,  d. 
This  cup  slips  on,  and  may  be  removed,  when  the  instrument  is  not 
in  use,  or  for  carriage.  From  the  point  of  the  lower  cone,  is  suspen- 
ded the  tin  cup  e,  at  the  bottom  of  which  is  attached  the  cone  of  lead 
g,  which  is  so  heavy,  as  to  sink  the  whole  instrument,  nearly  to  the 
upper  cone. 

2.  Before  the  balance  is  used,  it  must  be  placed  in  a  vessel  of  water, 
and  the  upper  cup  loaded  with  weights,  until  it  sinks  so  far  as  that  g, 
mark  near  a,  on  the  stem,  coincides  exactly  wi'h  the  surface  of  the 
water.  The  weights  so  added,  are  called  the  balance  weights,  and 
their  amount  may  be  marked  on  the  cup,  as  a  given  quantity  for  future 
use  ;  suppose  this  is  900  grains. 

3.  Every  thing  being  thus  prepared,  the  specific  gravity  of  a  min- 
eral is  ascertained  as  follows.  Place  the  mineral  in  the  upper  cup, 
and  add  weights  until  the  mark  on  the  stem  coincides  with  the  wa- 
ter's surface.  Suppose  this  to  be  400  grains.  Subtract  this  from  the 
whole  balance  weight,  which  will  leave  500  grains  for  the  weight  of 
the  mineral  in  the  air.  Then  remove  the  mineral  to  the  lower  cup, 
and  it  will  be  found  that  the  stem  will  rise  above  the  mark,  because  it 
weighs  less  in  water,  than  in  air ;  weights  must  therefore  be  added  in 
the  upper  cup,  until  the  mark  on  the  stem,  is  again  brought  to  the 
surface  of  the  water.  Suppose  this  is  100  grains,  which  will  be  ex- 
actly the  weight  of  water  displaced  by  the  mineral.  We  then  have 
500  grains,  for  the  absolute  weight  of  the  mineral,  and  100,  for  the 
absolute  weight  of  the  water ;  then  say,  as  100,  the  weight  of  the  wa- 
ter displaced,  is  to  500,  the  weight  of  the  mineral,  so  is  1000,  the 


XXXVI  INTRODUCTION. 

standard  weight  of  water,  to  the  specific  gravity  of  the  mineral. — 
100  :  500  :  :  1000=5  sp.  gravity. 

3.  If  the  mineral  is  lighter  than  water,  it  must  be  tied  in  the  lower 
cup,  with  a  hair,  or  fine  thread.  The  mineral  solids  of  this  kind,  are 
however,  very  few.  Amber,  and  Asphaltum,  are  both  heavier  than 
water. 

§  48.  If  the  substance,  whose  specific  gravity  is  to 
be  taken,  is  a  fluid,  another  method  is  used. 

O&5.  Take  a  small  bottle,  with  a  thin  neck,  and  weigh  it  accurate- 
ly ;  then  put  into  the  bottle,  just  1000  grains  of  pure  water,  and  mark 
with  a  file  on  the  neck,  the  exact  level  of  the  water.  The  bottle  thus 
prepared,  will  serve  to  take  the  specific  gravity  of  any  fluid  ;  for  hav- 
ing ascertained  the  exact  quantity  of  water  by  the  mark  on  the  neck, 
ivhich  it  takes  to  weigh  1000  grains,  the  weight  of  the  same  measure 
of  any  other  fluid,  is  by  comparison,  its  specific  gravity.  Thus,  sup- 
pose, on  filling  the  vial  with  sulphuric  acid  up  to  the  mark,  that  its 
weight  should  be  1800  grains,  instead  of  1000,  then,  the  sp.  gr.  of  sul- 
phuric acid,  would  be  1.8;  water  being  one.  If  filled  with  alcohol, 
it  might  weigh  700  grains,  then  the  sp.  gr.  of  alcohol,  would  be  700, 
water  being  1000. 

31.    PHOSPHORESCENCE. 

§  49.  Phosphorescence,  is  the  emission  of  light, 
without  apparent  heat,  or,  of  an  extraordinary  quantity 
of  light,  by  the  aid  of  heat. 

Obs.  Four  kinds  of  phosphorescence  may  be  mentioned,  viz. 

1.  When  the  emission  of  light,  unattended  by  heat,  is  constant,  as 
from  Putrifyinjf  Fish,  and  Decaying  Wood. 

2.  When  it  depends  on  percussion,  or  friction  ;  as  when  two  pie- 
ees  of  Quartz  are  struck  together,  or  a  piece  of  Blende  or  Dolomite  is 
scratched  with  a  sharp  point. 

3.  Where  the  light  is  thrown  off  at  a  degree  of  heat,  below  that  of 
redness,  as  in  Fluor,  Spar,  Chlorophane,  Argentine,  and  many  others. 

4.  Where  there  is  a  glowing  emission  of  light,  when  the  substance 
is  heated  to  redness,  as  in  many  varieties  of  the  Carbonate  of  Lime. 

Obs.  2.  Phosphorescence,  although  a  curious,  and  often  a  very  inter- 
esting property,  is  of  no  great  use  as  a  descriptive  character,  because 
it  is  not  constant,  even  in  those  minerals,  where  it  is  most  freqnently 
found.  Kven  some  varieties  of  Fluor,  are  said  not  to  phosphoresce. 
3.  The  best  way  to  shew  this  property,  in  Fluor,  Chlorophane,  4»c. 
is  to  heat  a  shovel  red  hot,  and  carry  it  into  the  dark  immediately. 
As  the  shovel  looses  its  red  heat,  sprinkle  on  the  mineral,  in  powder, 
or  small  grains. 

32.    DOUBLE  REFRACTION. 

§  50.  It  is  known  to  almost  every  one,  that  when  the 
rays  of  light  pass  from  one  medium  into  another,  of  a 
different  density,  that  they  are  refracted,  or  bent  out  of 


INTRODUCTION,  XXXVII 

a  straight  line.  In  the  instance  under  consideration,  the 
rays  of  light  are  not  only  refracted  in  the  ordinary  man- 
ner, but  are  divided  into  two  distinct  parts,  in  their 
passage  through  the  medium,  so  as  to  present  double 
the  usual  number  of  images  to  the  eye. 

Obs.  1.  This  extraordinary  phenomenon  was  first  discovered  by 
Erasmus  Bart/iolinus*  who,  having  looked  through  a  transparent 
piece  of  Rhombic  Carbonate  of  Lime,  from  Iceland,  was  greatly  sur- 
prised, to  observe  that  it  doubled  every  object. 

2.  The  ready  philosophy  of  Bartholin'is,  accounted  for  this  phe- 
nomenon, by  supposing  that  the  cold  of  northern  climates,  so  far  from 
weakening,  concentrated  rays  of  light,  and  gave  them  such  additional 
energy,  as  to  produce  two  images,  instead  of  one.     Thus  grounding 
his  explanation,  on   the  presumption,  that  minerals  possessing  this 
property,  belonged  to  cold  climates  only. 

3.  Whether  this  explanation  satisfied  any  one,  except  the  author, 
is  not  known  ;  it  was  however  soon  found,  that  climate  had  no  effect 
on  the  refractive  powers  of  rhombic  spar,  but  that  the  images  were 
doubled,  from  whatever  country  it  came. 

§  51.  The  cause  of  double  refraction,  has  excited  the 
attention  of  philosophers  and  naturalists,  ever  since  its 
discovery.  Huygens,  and  Newton,  each  made  a  labo- 
rious series  of  experiments  on  it,  without  arriving  to  any 
satisfactory  results,  and  Hauy,  has  more  recently  writ- 
ten twenty  pages  on  the  same  subject.  These  facts 
shew  the  difficulty  of  explaining  this  phenomenon,  and 
that  its  cause  is  not  to  be  demonstrated  by  any  simple 
process. 

Obs.  1.  To  observe  double  refraction  in  Iceland  spar,  draw  a  line 
with  ink,  on  paper,  and  look  at  it,  through  any  two  parallel  faces  of 
the  crystal.  If  the  crystal  be  turned,  so  that  its  longer  diagonal,  or 
acute  angles  correspond  with  the  line,  the  greatest  refraction  will  be 
produced,  and  the  two  images  will  be  most  distant  from  each  other. 
If  a  second  piece  of  spar  be  laid  on  the  first,  so  that  their  positions 
shall  correspond  in  every  respect,  the  refraction  will  be  increased,  or 
doubled,  if  both  crystals  are  of  the  same  thickness.  If  now  the  upper 
crystal  be  made  to  revolve  on  the  lower  one,  so  as  to  bring  the  obtuse 
angles  of  the  first,  with  the  acute  angles  of  the  other,  three  lines  will 
be  observed,  instead  of  two;  and  if  the  revolution  be  continued,  so 
as  to  completely  reverse  the  angles,  and  the  oblique  planes  of  the 
crystals,  the  effect  will  be,  entirely  to  neutralize  the  doubly  refractive 
powers  of  both,  and  only  a  single  image  will  be  seen, 

2.  If  a  crystal  be  placed  so  as  to  make  its  obtuse  angles  correspond 

*  Banholinus  published  an  account  of   his  experiments  on  the  Iceland  crys- 
tals, and  dedicated  his  book  to  Frederick  of  Prussia. 


INTRODUCTION. 

with  the  line,  only  one  image  will  be  observed.     The  axis  of  double 
refraction,  therefore,  is  though  the  shorter  diagonal  of  the  crystal. 

Many  other  curious  phenomena  may  be  observed  with  this  sub- 
stance, and  particularly,  by  using  a  circle,  instead  of  aline. 

3.  It  will  be  remarked  that  in  the  rhomb  spar,  the  double  refrac- 
tion is  always  through  two  parallel  faces,  for  notwithstanding  the  ob- 
liquity of  contiguous  faces,  the  two  opposite  planes  are  always  paral- 
lel with  each  other. 

4.  In  making  trials  on  this  curious  subject,  the  experimenter,  must 
take  care  not  to  deceive  himself,  by  viewing  the  object  through  con- 
tiguous, inclined  faces ;  in  which  case,  the  images  would  be  in  pro- 
portion to  the  number  of  faces.     For  instance,  if  a  crystal  of  quartz 
be  placed  over  a  dot,  or  line,  at  a  certain  distance  from  its  pyramidal 
termination,  and  the  object  be  viewed  perpendicularly  through  two 
parallel  sides,  as  is  done  with  Iceland  spar,  only  one  image  will  be 
seen  ;  but  if  the  crystal  be  moved,  so  that  the  dot  is  brought  within 
the  retracting  sphere  of  its  lateral,  and  terminal   planes,  six  images 
will  be  seen,  viz.  one  through  each  of  the  three  upper  lateral  planes, 
and  as  many  through  the  terminal  planes. 

This  is  ordinary  refraction,  and  is  common  to  all  transparent  sub- 
stances, when  cut  and  polished  with  inclined  contiguous  planes. 

§  52.  Besides  Iceland  spar,  there  is  one  other  sub- 
stance which  has  the  property  of  double  refraction, 
through  opposite  parallel  planes.  This  is  sulphur. 

O65.1.  If  a  small,  perfect  crystal  of  native  sulphur,  be  shaped 
with  a  file  or  by  other  means,  into  the  form  of  a  table,  or  cube,  an'd 
polished,*  it  will  be  found  to  possess  this  property,  in  the  same  man- 
ner that  the  Iceland  spar  does,  and  nearly  in  as  high  a  degree. 

2.  If  one  side  of  the  crystal,  be  taken  off,  much  more  than  another, 
that  is,  if  it  be  divided  through  its  axis,  and  an  object  viewed  through 
the  one  half,  it  will  be  found  doubly  refractive,  through  certain  paral- 
lel faces,  but  not  through  others. 

3.  If  the  side  of  a  large  crystal  be  employed  for  this  purpose,  no 
doubly  refractive  effect   will  be  produced,  at  least  the  writer  has  not 
been  able  to  observe  any. 

4.  But  if  a  crystal  be  shaped  into  the  form  of  a  cube,  by  reducing 
its  several  diameters  equally,  so  as  to  approach  an  imaginary  point  at 
its  centre,  it  will  then  present  the  phenomenon  of  double  refraction, 
through  any,  or  all  of  its  parallel  planes. 

5.  These  different  phenomena,  probably  depend  on  the  presence, 
or  absence  of  the  primitive   form,  or  a  part  of  it,  in  the  piece  of  sul- 
phur artificially  shaped.     In  the  Iceland  spar,  no  such  difference  is 
produced,  because   the  actual  form  of  the  piece  employed,  and  its 
primitive,  are  the  same. 

6.  Carbonate  of  Lime  and  Sulphur,  are  perhaps  the  only  two  substan- 
ces which  are  doubly  refractive,  through  two  parallel  faces.  A  con- 
siderable number  of  other  minerals  possess  this  property,  but  in  a  less 
degree,  and  through  faces,  not  parallel  to  each  other.  Quartz,  Zircon, 

*  This  may  easily  be  done,  with  prepared  chalk,  or  whiting  on  a  cotton  rag. 


INTRODUCTION.  XXXIX 

Topaz,  and  Sulphate  of  Strontian,  are  doubly  refractive,  when  the 
object  is  viewed  through  certain  inclined  planes  ;  but  in  the  Topaz, 
and  Strontian,  it  is  necessary  to  form  an  artificial  face,  in  addition  to 
the  natural  ones,  in  order  to  observe  this  property. 

§  53.  In  quartz,  double  refraction  may  be  observed  by 
careful  attention,  through  two  natural  faces. 

Obs.  1.  Take  a  transparent  crystal  between  the  thumb  and  ringer, 
and  holding  it  vertically  between  the  eye  and  the  window,  place  a 
thin  object,  as  a  pin,  horizontally,  across  the  lateral  plane  nearest 
the  window,  then  view  the  pin  through  the  plane  of  the  pyramid, 
which  corresponds  with  the  lateral  plane,  opposite  to  the  one  across 
which  the  pin  is  placed  Now  by  watching  the  pin  carefully,  and 
making  the  crystal  revolve  on  it  backwards  and  forwards,  as  on  an 
axis,  a  second  image  will  finally  be  seen,  rising  from  the  first,  or  ap- 
proaching it  from  towards  the  apex  of  the  crystal,  attended  with  a 
kind  of  iridescence. 

2.  In  making  this  experiment,  we  must  avoid  seeing  the  pin  through 
the  contiguous  lateral  plane,  as  well  as  through  that  of  the  pyramid, 
in  which  case,  two  perfect  images  would  be  observed,  but  the  refrac- 
tion would  be  ordinary,  and  common  to  all  transparent  bodies. 

3.  Quartz,  has  been  selected  as  an  example  in  this  instance,  be- 
cause it  is  a  common  mineral,  and  does  not  require  cutting  in  order 
to  observe  its  doubly  refractive  property. 

4.  To  observe  it  in  Sulphate  of  Strontian,  make  an  artificial  plane, 
by  cutting  the  crystal  transversely  through  its  axis,  and  perpendicular 
to  its  lateral  planes.     Having  nicely  polished  this  new  face,  hold  the 
crystal  in  a  horizontal  position,    between  the  eye  and  the  light,  and 
look  at  the  pin,  held  across  the  new  face,  through  one  of  the  terminal 
planes  of  the  crystal.     By  turning  the  crystal  backwards  and  forwards 
slowly,  and  carefully,  the  double  image  can  be  discovered. 

5.  These  examples  are,  perhaps,  sufficient  tor  the  purposes  of  this 
work  ;  but  a  great  proportion  of  crystallized   transparent  minerals 
possess  this  property,  when  the  object  is  viewed  through  certain  fa- 
ces, probably  depending  on  the  presence,  shape,  or  position  of  the 
primitive  form. 

33.    CRYSTALLIZATION. 

§  54.  Every  mineral,  whose  external  surface  is  bound- 
ed, by  a  determinate  number  of  planes,  which  meet  and 
form  determinate  angles,  is  called  a  crystal. 

Obs.  1.  For  the  purpose  of  describing  crystals,  it  is  necessary  that 
definite  terms  should  be  employed,  and  that  their  application  should 
be  accurately  understood.  In  an  other  place  (§  14)  we  have  seen, 
what  is  understood  by  primitive  forms.  In  the  present  instance  it  is 
intended  to  give  such  an  explanation  of  the  terms  employed  in  de- 
scribing crystals,  as  that  their  meaning  and  application  may  be  under- 
stood. 

2.  These  terms  are  intended  to  apply  to  the  actual,  or  external 
forms  only, 


XL  INTRODUCTION. 

34.    FUNDAMENTAL  FORMS. 

§  55.  By  the  fundamental  or  predominant  forms  of  crys- 
tals, is  meant  the  simplest  forms  under  which  they  are 
found,  or  the  geometrical  figures  which  they  most  ap- 
poximate. 

Obs.  I.  Take,  for  instance,  and  form  a  cube  of  wood  with  a  knife, 
It  is  now  a  simple  form,  with  six  faces,  eight  solid  angles,  and  twelve 
edges.  Now  cut  off  each  of  the  corners,  or  solid  angles,  and  we  shall 
have  a  figure  bounded  by  fourteen  faces  ;  but  still  the  fundamental 
form  would  be  the  cube,  because  a  part  of  all  the  original  six  sides  of 
that  figure  remain,  and  it  still  approaches  nearer  the  form  of  a  cube, 
than  any  other  geometrical  figure,  with  which  the  mind  is  familiar. 
The  cube  therefore  would  be  its  fundamental  form. 

2.  Now,  it  is  by  no  means  supposed,  that  nature  works  as  we  do — 
and  first  makes  the  cube,  and  then  truncates  its  angles  ;  but  the  same 
idea  of  the  figure  is  conveyed  to  the  mind,  as  though  this  were  actu- 
ally done,  and  an  idea  of  it,  can  in  this  way  be  conveyed  to  others, 
which  answers  every  object  in  view. 

3.  The  advantage  of  this  method,  it  will  be  seen,  is,  that  by  pre- 
supposing a  figure,  whose  name  conveys  a  definite  shape  to  the  mind, 
we  have  something  with  which  to  compare  the  general  shape  of  the 
crystal.     Thus,  should  an  attempt  be   made  to  describe  a  figure,  by 
saying  it  had  fourteen  sides,  a  part  of  which  were  triangular,  a  part 
square,  with  a  certain  number  of  edges,   angles,  &/c.  the  description 
would  not  only  be  exceedingly  prolix,  but  could  never  be  well  under- 
stood.    But  by  describing  it  as  a  cube,  in  the  first  place,  the  mind  of 
every  one  comprehends  what  figure  is  meant,  and  then  by  striking  off 
the  solid  angles,  we  at  once  gain  an  idea  of  the  form  which  we  wish 
to  describe,  and  which  nature  actually  produces.      It  is  to  the  cele- 
brated Werner,  that  we  are  indebted  for  this  method  of  describing 
crystals. 

§  56.  The  fundamental  forms  admitted  by  Werner, 
are  seven,  viz  the  Prism,  Hexahedron,  Pyramid,  Dodeca- 
hedron, Icosahedron,  TaJble,  and  Lens. 

1.  Prism.  This  has  any  number  of  sides, 
or  lateral  faces,  from  three  to  twelve,  or 
more.  The  prism  is  usually  long,  and  ter- 
minated by  a  pyramid,  as  in  Quartz,  Jig.  1. 
where  a  is  the  prism,  and  b  the  pyramid.  Or 
it  may  be  very  short,  as  \i\fig.  2.  where  c 
is  the  prism,  interposed  between  the  two  py- 
midsi  d  and/.  Crystals  of  Quartz,  often 
occur  of  this  figure. 

2.  Hexahedron.  This  is  a  six-sided   figure,  having  six  planes,  and 
eight  solid  angles       It  includes  the  cube,  and  rhomb,  and  also  the 
double  three-sided  pyramid.      It  is  not  uncommon.     Carbonate  of 
Lime,  often  takes  all  these  forms. 

3.  Pyramid.  This,  like  the  prism,  has  an  indeterminate  number 


INTRODUCTION.  XLI 

of  sides,  but  they  converge,  and  terminate  in  a  point.  The  pyramid, 
is  often  set  on  a  prism  ;  but  sometimes  two  pyramids  are  joined  to- 
gether, base  to  base.  In  fig.  2,  a  very  short  prism  intervenes  between 
the  two  pyramids. 

4.  Dodecahedron.  This  figure  has  twelve  faces,  either  rhombic,  or 
pentagonal ;  and  twenty  solid  angles.     Good  examples  are  found  in 
Garnet,  and  Iron  Pyrites. 

5.  Icasohedron.  This  is  a  solid,   contained  under  twenty  triangu- 
lar planes,  and  twelve  solid  angles  ;  so  that  each  solid  angle  is  formed 
by  the  meeting  of  five  planes. 

6.  Table.  This  is  a  very  short  prism.     It  has  two  very  broad  faces, 
when  compared  with  the  others.      Thus,  in  fig.  2,  if  the  two  pyra- 
mids were  deeply  truncated,    so  as  to   leave  the  short   intervening 
prism,  the  remaining  figure  would  be  a  six-sided  table.     Sulphate  of 
Barytes,  and  Mica,  are  examples. 

7.  Lens.  This  figure  has  two  principal  curved  faces,  as  in  Lenti- 
cular Oxide  of  Iron. 

33.    DESCRIPTION  OF  CRYSTALS. 

§  57.  By  the  inspection  of  crystals  as  they  are  form- 
ed by  nature,  it  will  be  found,  that  the  above  described 
fundamental  forms,  exist  under  a  vast  variety  and  num- 
ber, of  modifications.  It  therefore  becomes  necessary, 
that  the  terms  employed  to  designate  the  different 
parts  of  these  solids,  with  their  modifications  should  be 
explained,  and  illustrated. 

1.  Lateral  Planes,  are  the  faces,  sides,  or  planes,  of  prismatic 
crystals,  as  a,  fig.  1 . 

2.  Terminal  Planes,  are  the  faces,  or  planes,  which  form  the  ex- 
tremities of  prismatic  crystals.     They  are  sometimes  called  the  bases 
of  the  prism,  as  b,  fig.  1. 

Lateral  Edgts,  are  formed  by  the  junction  of  two  lateral  planes,  or 
sides  of  the  prism. 

4.  Terminal  Edges,  are  formed  by  the  meeting  of  lateral  and  ter- 
rninaal  planes. 

5.  A  Pyramid,  is  formed,  when  the  lateral  faces,  and  edges  meet 
at  a  point,  as  d,  fig.  2. 

Obs.  1.  If  now  the  pupil  will  for  a  moment  leave  his  book,  and  ob- 
tain a  piece  of  soft  wood,  and  a  penknife,  he  can  get  a  better  illustra- 
tion of  the  above  terms,  than  could  be  given  by  diagrams. 

2.  Form  the  wood  into  a  square  piece,  say,  two  inches  long,  and 
half  an  inch  in  diameter  ;  then,  at  one  end,  form  a  pyramid,  the  faces 
of  which,  shall  correspond  with  each  side  of  the  square;  also  cut  off 
the  other  end  of  the  wood,  at  right  angles  with  its  sides. 

3.  We  now  have  a  four-sided  prism  terminated  by  a  four-sided  py- 
ramid, the  faces  of  which,  are  set  on  the  lateral  faces  of  the  prism. 
The   laterals  planes,  are  the  long  and  broad  sides  of  the  prism, — the 
lateral  edges,  are  the  four  corners,  formed  by  the  meeting  of  these 
planes, — the  terminal  plane,  is  the  square  base  at  the  end,  opposite  the 
pyramid, — the  terminal  edges,  are  the  four  edges,  formed  by  the  meet- 


XLIl  INTRODUCTION. 

ing  of  the  terminal,  and  lateral  planes  >  and  the  pyramid,  is  formed, 
by  the  meeting  of  the  four  lateral  edges,  and  planes,  at  a  point. 

§  5rJ.  Truncation.  By  this  term  is  meant,  that  certain 
edges,  or  angles  of  the  fundamental  form,  are  cut  off; 
and  though,  as  has  been  observed,  this  is  not  so,  yet 
the  appearance  of  the  crystal,  and  the  idea  we  wish  to 
convey,  is  the  same  as  though  this  had  actually  been 
the  case. 

Obs.  1.  Truncation,  is  applied  to  the  edges  and  solid  angles  of 
crystals.  It  may  be  so  deep,  as  entirely  to  change  their  forms,  or  so 
slight,  as  only  to  be  observed  on  close  inspection. 

2  If  we  take  our  four-sided  prism,  and  shave  off  two  of  its  lateral 
edges,  so  as  to  make  two  narrow  lateral  planes,  opposite  to  each  other, 
we  shall  then  have  an  irregular  six-sided  prism,  with  four  broad,  and 
two  narrow  lateral  planes.  These  two  edges  are  now  truncated,  or 
replaced  by  planes,  and  we  have  six  lateral  edges,  two  of  which  are 
right  angled,  and  four  obtuse. 

3.  If  we  truncate  the  two  remaining  lateral  edges,  we  shall  have 
an  eight-sided  prism,  with  equal  angles,  and  equal  lateral  planes, 

§  59.  Bcvelment.  This,  like  truncation,  is  applied  to 
the  edges  and  angles  of  the  crystal.  It  consists  of  a 
double  truncation  on  the  same  edge,  or  angle ;  the  ef- 
fect of  which  is  to  produce  two  small  planes,  and  three 
obtuse  angles,  in  place  of  one  edge,  or  angle. 

Obs.  Suppose  we  have  a  prism  of  three  equal  sides,  and  three 
equal  acute  angles,  if  we  bevel  one  of  the  angles,  we  produce  two  new 
faces  instead  of  the  angle,  and  by  continuing  the  bevelment  on  all  the 
angles,  we  change  the  figure  into  a  prism,  of  nine  sides,  because  six 
new  sides  would  be  formed,  and  three  would  remain  as  a  part  of  the 
fundamental  prism.  Common  Schorl,  is  an  example  of  this  kind  of 
bevelment. 

§  60.  It  has  already  been  remarked,  (§  58)  that  the 
changes  produced  on  crystalline  forms,  by  truncation, 
differ  according  to  its  degree,  or  depth.  It  has  also 
been  noticed.  (§2 1  and  22,)  that  by  cleavage,  one  form 
mny  be  converted  into  another,  entirely  different.  Now 
the  passage  of  one  form  into  another,  may  be  consider- 
ted  in  another  light,  viz.  that  it  is  the  effect  of  trunca- 
tion. 

Obs.  1.  Suppose  we  form  of  cork  or  wood,  two  figures,  one  a  regu- 
lar octohedron,  and  the  other  a  cube,  each  of  an  inch  in  diameter. 
The  cube  has  eight  corners,  or  solid  angles.  Suppose  with  a  knife, 
we  take  off  each  of  these  solid  angles  slightly,  it  is  still  a  cube  with 
truncated  angles.  But  suppose  this  operation  be  continued,  until 


INTRODUCTION.  XLIIl 

every  vestage  of  the  original  cube  disappears,  it  will  then  be  found 
that  we  have  formed  a  regular  octohedron. 

2.  The  octohedron,  has  six  solid  angles.  Suppose  we  begin  with 
the  octohedron,  and  take  equal  segments,  in  succession  from  each  of 
these  angles,  the  two  opposite  faces  so  formed  being  parallel,  until  its 
original  faces  disappear,  the  result  will  be  a  perfect  cube.  (See  §20 
&/21  ) 

§61.  The  same  operation,  will  produce  modifica- 
tions of  the  fundamental  form,  in  exact  imitation  of  nat- 
ural forms,  in  a  great  variety  of  other  cases. 

Obs.  I.  Thus  if  segments  be  taken  from  the  twelve  edges  of  the 
octohedron,  so  as  to  produce  twelve  new  faces,  the  dodecahedron  with 
twelve  rhombic  planes,  will  be  the  result.  If  a  cube  be  deeply  trun- 
cated on  all  its  edges,  a  pentagonal  dodecahedron  will  be  produced. 
A  four-sided  prism  truncated  on  all  its  lateral  edges,  becomes  an  oc- 
tohedral  prism,  &LG. 

2.  Some  minerals,  as  Fluor-spar,  and  Iron  Pyrites,  occur  in  the 
form  of  the  cube,  octohedron,  and  dodecahedron  ;  and  crystals  are 
sometimes  found,  truncated  as  above  described,  illustrating  their  pas- 
sage from  one  fundamental  form  into  another. 

36.    IMPERFECT  CRYSTALLIZATION. 

§  62.  The  process  of  regular  crystallization,  obvious- 
ly requires,  that  the  substance  to  be  crystallized,  should 
be  dissolved  in  some  fluid,  and  that  its  particles  should 
be  permitted  to  move  freely  among  themselves,  so  that 
each  one  should  take  its  place,  agreeably  to  the  laws  of 
attraction.  In  any  other  condition,  the  result  of  the 
process  is  imperfect  and  confused. 

O6s.  From  the  result  of  the  crystalline  process,  in  the  great  labora- 
tory of  nature,  it  is  evident  that  some  disturbing  force  was  felt  at  the 
time  of  formation,  nearly  throughout  the  mineral  kingdom.  In  many 
of  the  species,  therefore,  though  evidently  the  result  of  crystalliza- 
tion, few  perfect  crystals  are  to  be  found.  In  many  instances,  one 
end  of  the  crystal  only  is  perfect ;  in  others,  where  the  perfect  funda- 
mental form  is  the  octohedron,  or  cube,  the  actual  form  in  most  cases, 
is  indistinct,  the  crystals  interfering  with  each  other,  so  as  to  form 
confused  laminated  masses. 

§63.  Under  the  head  of  imperfect  crystallization, 
may  also  be  considered  such  forms,  as  deviate  from  re- 
gular solids,  in  consequence  of  the  want  of  angles,  or 
in  consequence  of  an  undue  extension  in  length,  &c. 

O65.  Some  of  these  forms  are  best  described  by  comparing  them 
with  well  known  objects,  as 

1.  Cylindrical,  when  a  long  prism  is  without  angles,  and  round  in 
its  form,  zs  Finite, 


XLIV  INTRODUCTION. 

2.  Dentiform.    Tooth-like,  when  it  is  in  the  form  of  a  cone,  the 
base  of  which  is  attached,  and  the  apex  is  like  a  canine  tooth,  as 
Wood  Tin.  Native  Silver.  Hog's  Tooth-spar. 

3.  Acicular,  like  a  needle,  when  the  crystal  is  long,  and  narrow, 
straight,  and  minute,  as  in  Titanium.  Hornblende. 

4.  Reticulated,  net-like,  when  acicular  crystals  cross  each  other, 
so  as  to  resemble  net-work,  as  Native  Silver. 

5.  Capillary,  hair-like,   when  the  crystals  are  extremely  minute, 
and  entangled  like  a  wisp  of  hair,  as  Chromate  of  Iron.    Brown  He- 
matite. 

6.  Lenticular,  having  two  principal  convex  surfaces,  as  Lenticular 
Iron  Ore. 

§  64.  Grouping  of  Crystals.  When  several  crystals 
are  attached  to  each  other,  side  by  side,  with  distinct 
summits,  they  are  said  to  be  grouped,  as  Quartz.  H)g*s 
Tooth-spar. 

Obs.  A  geode,  is  an  assemblage  of  crystals,  fixed  to  a  common 
basis,  the  form  being  concave,  or  hollow.  Cavities,  studded  with 
crystals,  form  geodes. 

§  65.  Twin^  or  Hemitrope  Crystals.  These  crystals 
appear,  as  though  the  two  halves  of  each,  had  been  so 
applied  together,  as  to  invert  the  one  half;  or  that  the 
one  half  had  moved  through  half  a  circle,  while  the 
other  half  stood  still.  These  crystals  are  also  called, 
macled.  Instances  are  seen  in  Felspar,  Oxide  of  Tin. 

Obs.  In  some  minerals,  the  crystals  appear  to  penetrate  each  other 
in  different  directions.  In  the  regular  crystals  of  Gypsum,  it  is  not 
uncommon  to  see  small  crystals  growing  out  of,  or  penetrating  the 
lateral  planes,  and  angles  of  the  larger.  Large  crystals  of  Arrago- 
nite,  frequently  to  appearance,  send  forth  smaller  ones  in  every  direc- 
tion. 

§  66.  Magnitude  of  Crystals.  The  size  of  crystals  va- 
ry from  two  feet  in  length,  to  mere  points,  the  forms  of 
which  can  only  be  ascertained  by  the  microscope. 
Werner,  therefore,  in  his  descriptive  language,  defines 
a  number  of  terms,  significant  of  their  magnitude,  as 
very  large,  from  six  inches  to  two  feet  in  length  ;  large, 
from  six  inches  to  two  inches  ;  small<  from  half  an  inch 
to  the  eighth  an  inch,  &c.  But  the  scope  allowed  to 
these  terms,  is  too  great  for  any  useful  purpose,  and  the 
medium  size  in  inches,  will  therefore,  convey  more  de- 
finite ideas. 


INTRODUCTION.  XLV 

37.    ANGLES  OP  CRYSTALLIZATION. 

§  67.  Tt  is  a  curious  fact,  that  crystals  of  the  same 
form,  and  of  the  same  substance,  give  a  constant  ad- 
measurement of  their  angles. 

Obs.  1.  It  is  very  easy  to  conceive,  that  where  the  form  of  the  crys- 
tal is  an  exact  cube,  for  instance,  that  every  crystal  of  this  form  should 
give  the  same  angular  quantity.  If,  therefore,  an  hundred  crystals  of 
cubical  iron  pyrites,  or  of  common  salt  be  measured,  it  would  be 
found  that  wherever  two  planes  met,  it  would  be  under  an  angle  of 
90  degrees.  But  the  regularity  with  which  nature  works  in  the  for- 
mation of  crystals,  will  appear  surprising,  when  it  is  known,  that  what- 
ever the  regular  form  may  be,  the  corresponding  angles  in  any  num- 
ber of  crystals  of  the  same  variety,  will  always  be  found  the  same.  As 
an  instance,  take  a  crystal  of  common  quartz,  and  ascertain  the  an- 
gle, which  one  face  of  the  pyramid  gives  with  its  corresponding  late- 
ral plane.  It  will  be  found  to  be  14T  40'.  Now  apply  this  angle  to 
the  other  sides,  and  pyramidal  faces  of  the  same,  or  of  any  other 
crystal  of  quartz,  from  whatever  part  of  the  world  it  may  come,  and  it 
will  be  found  that  these  planes  meet  under  the  same  angle. 

2.  Measure  the  mutual  inclination  of  any  two  opposite  pyramidal 
faces  of  a  crystal  of  quartz.  It  will  be  found  under  an  angle  of  75° 
52',  and  this  mutual  inclination  will  be  found  the  same,  of  whatever 
size  the  crystal  may  be,  or  from  whatever  part  of  the  world  it  may 
come. 

§  68,  The  angles  under  which  the  planes  of  crystals, 
differing  in  composition,  meet,  has  been  considered  as 
one  of  the  surest  means  of  distinguishing  them,  when 
their  general  form  is  the  same. 

Obs.  Several  minerals,  of  entirely  different  chemical  characters, 
may  so  resemble  each  other^  both  in  color  and  figure,  as  that  the  eye 
can  distinguish  no  difference.  This  is  said  sometimes  to  be  the  case 
with  specimens  of  Carbonate  of  Iron,  Bitter-spar,  and  Carbonate  of 
Lime.  But  the  angles  under  which  the  planes  of  each  meet,  are  said 
to  be  the  means  of  distinguishing  them  at  once.  Thus  if  the  planes  of 
one  of  them  meet  at  the  angles  of  105°  5  ,  and  74°55  ,  it  is  Carbonate  of 
Lime  ;  if  the  second  measures  106  15',  and  73  45  ,  it  is  Bitter-spar ; 
the  third  measuring  107°  and  73°,  is  Carbonate  of  Iron, 

§  69.  Notwithstanding  the  exact  symmetrical  forms 
which  nature  has  impressed  on  the  crystals  of  the  same 
variety,  the  difficulty  of  obtaining  the  same  results,  in 
taking  their  angles,  will  probably  prevent  this  mode  of 
distinction  from  being  certain,  or  extensively  adopted. 

Obs.  1.  This  mode  of  distinction  presupposes  that  we  possess  a 
perfect  crystal  of  the  substance,  and  that  it  is  so  situated  that  its  an- 
gles can  be  taken.  Now  in  some  of  the  species,  though  clearly  the 
result  of  crystallization,  a  perfect  crystal  is  rarely  to  be  found,  and 

G 


XLVI  ^  INTRODUCTION. 

consequently  can  only  be  in  possession  of  a  few  individuals.  In  such 
cases,  other  means  must  therefore,  of  necessity  be  generally  adopted, 
to  distinguish  the  species. 

2.  In  such  of  the  species  as  commonly  occur  in  the  form  of  perfect 
crystals,  it  is  not  an  easy  thing  for  an  ordinary  mineralogist  to  meas- 
ure their  angles  with  such  accuracy,   as  to  determine  their  composi- 
tion, where  this  depends  on  minutes  and  seconds. 

3.  The  best   authorities  differ  so  much  in  this  respect,  as  to  show 
that  with  the  most  skilful  management,  the   Goniometer  in  different 
hands  is  not  to  be  depended  on,  even  to  degrees,  and  much  less  to  the 
hundreth  parts  of  degrees. 

4.  Hauy,  for  instance,  makes  the  planes  of  Rhombic  Carbonate  of 
Lime,  to  meet  alternately  under  angles  of  104°  29'  and  75°  31'.    Phil- 
lips makes  the  same  planes   meet  at  angles  of  105°  5'  and  74°  55'. 
Hauy,  the  primitive  rhomboid  of  Quartz,  94°  4'  and  85°  56'.  Phillips 
94°  15  and  85°  45'.     Hauy,  the  primitive  rhomboid  of  Specular  Iron 
87°  and  93°.     Phillips  86°  10  and  93    50'.     I  might  proceed  to  fill 
page  after  page,  with  such  differences  ;    indeed  these  authors  very 
rarely  agree  exactly  in  the  quantity  of  any  angle,  and  Mohs  often  dis- 
agrees with  both. 

5.  In  the  above  example,  (§  68)  where  it  is  proposed  to  distinguish 
Rhomb  Spar,  Bitter  Spar,  and  Carbonate  of  Iron,  by  means  of  the 
Goniometer,  as  well  as  in  every  other  instance,  where  there  is  but 
little  difference  in  the  quantity  of  the  angle,  this  must,  it  is  thought 
be  acknowledged,  at  best,  but  a  very  fallacious  mode  of  distinction. 

6.  These  considerations  have  induced  the  author  of  the  following 
treatise  to  omit  the  Geometrical  Characters  in  the  descriptions,  as  be- 
ing, at  least  to  the  learner,   both   uncertain  and  perplexing.     These 
characters  have  therefore  been  thrown  together  in  the  tabular  form. 

38.    GONIOMETER. 

§  70.  The  Goniometer,  or  angle  measurer,  is  an  in- 
strument invented  by  M.  Carangeau,  for  the  purpose  of 
taking  the  angles  of  crystals.  It  has  lately  heen  called 
the  Common  Goniometer,  to  distinguish  it  from  a  more  re- 
cent invention  of  Dr.  Wollaston's,  which  is  called  the 
Reflective  Goniometer. 


.  1.  The  Common  Goniometer,  consists  of  a  brass,  or  silver  sem- 
icircle, N,  D,  M,  graduated  into  180  degrees,  each  degree  being  mark- 
ed on  the  instrument,  by  a  short  line  extending  from  the  outer  rim,  to 
the  circle,  which  is  about  the  20th  of  an  inch  within  it :  A,  B,  F,  G, 
are  two  steel  or  brass  arms,  connected  at  m,  with  a  thumb  screw,  so 
that  they  can  be  screwed  tighter  together  when  occasion  requires. 
Thii  screw  goes  into  a  small  steel  nut,  on  the  under  side  of  the  arms, 
which  enters  the  bar,  connecting  the  two  ends  of  the  semicircle,  and 
is  the  pivot  on  which  the  arms  turn.  In  each  arm  there  is  a  slit 
through  which  the  pivot  passes,  so  that  they  can  be  drawn  back,  the 
effect  of  which  is  to  move  the  centre  of  motion  near  the  ends  of  the 
arms,  r,  nt  is  a  short  pin  passing  through  a  slit,  and  on  which  it  can 
be  moved  backwards  and  forwards. 

2.  The  arm  A,  as  it  now  stands  cuts  the  semicircle  at  90  degrees  ; 
if  then  an  exact  cube  were  presented  to  the  portion  of  the  arms  below 
the  bar,  it  would  just  fit  them,  as  the  planes  of  a  cube  always  meet  at 
an  angle  of  90  degrees.     But  if  the  angle  should  be  greater,  or  less 
than  90°,  it  is  obvious  that  its  quantity  can  be  ascertained  by  moving 
the  bar  backwards  or  forwards  on  the  semicircle,  where  the  degrees 
are  marked. 

3.  The  most  convenient  mode  of  using  this  Goniometer,  is  to  take 
off  the  arms,  and  for  a  small  crystal  draw  them  back,  so  as  to  bring 
the  centre  of  motion,  near  the  points  B  and  F,  and  for  larger  ones,  let 
them  remain  as  in  the  figure.     Then  tighten  the  screw,  so  that  the 
arms  need  not  move,  and  loose  the  true  angle.     After  having  applied 
them  to  the  crystal,  put  the  under  one  carefully  in  its  place,  as  in  the 
figure,  and  the  right  side  of  the  other  arm  will  give  the  angle  re- 
quired. 


XLVIII  INTRODUCTION. 

4.  "  It  must  be  obvious  that  the  use  of  this  instrument  depends  on 
its  precise  adjustment  to  the  planes  of  the  crystal  to  be  measured.    In 
doing  this,  it  will    be  found  of  advantage  that   the  common  pocket 
lens  should  be   supported  at  a  convenient   height  above  the  table,  so 
that  both  elbows  may  rest  upon  it,  while  taking  the  angle  ;  the  glass 
being  a  little  above  the    height  of  the  wrist,  when  the  hands  are  ele- 
vated.    For  this  purpose,  a  card  rolled  up  and  stuck  by  one  end  into 
the  nozle  of  a  candlestick,  and  the  handle  of  the  glass  placed  in  the 
hollow  of  the  card  will   be  found  useful ;  for  the  glass  will  be  nearly 
on  a  level  with  the  eye.     If  then   the  crystal  be  placed  behind  it  in 
the  focus,  the  adaptation  of  the  goniometer,  will  be  observed  with  ad- 
vantage ;  and  unless  the  light  be  excluded  from  between  the  instrument 
and  the  crystal,  the  adaptation  will  not  be  complete.  If  this  cannot  be 
accomplished,  it  may  be  concluded   that  the  crystal,  how  perfect  so- 
ever its  planes  may  appear,  is  not  sufficiently  regular  to  be  relied  on, 
if  perfect  accuracy  is  desirable." — Phillips. 

5.  The  reflective  Goniometer,  is  considered   a  more  accurate  in- 
strument than  the  one  above   described.     It  determines  the  quantity 
of  the  angle  by  the  rays  of  light,  reflected  from  the  polished  faces  of 
the  crystal,  and  therefore  will  only  answer  for  such  minerals  as  pos- 
sess reflecting  surfaces.     The  machinery   and  its  use,  is  much  more 
complex  than  in  the  common  Goniometer. 

39.  CHEMICAL  CHARACTERS: 

Remark.  Having  enumerated  such  of  the  characters  of  minerals, 
as  can  be  ascertained  by  the  senses,  without  destroying  their  struc- 
ture, and  which  are  properly  called,  external,  or  physical ;  we  now 
come  to  another  set  of  characters,  which  are  called  chemical,  because 
heat  and  acids  are  the  agents  by  which  they  are  ascertained. 

§71.  By  chemical  characters,  it  is  not  understood 
that  all  such,  as  could  be  developed  by  chemical 
agents  will  be  enumerated,  or  that  the  process  of  analy- 
sis will  be  described.  On  the  contrary,  a  few  simple 
experiments,  chiefly  with  the  blowpipe  and  acids  are  all 
that  will  be  found  necessary,  to  ascertain  the  most  ob- 
vious chemical  characters  of  minerals. 

§  72.  Blowpipe.  This  is  a  simple  instrument,  consist- 
ing of  a  slightly  conical  tube  of  brass,  8,  or  12  inches 
long,  curved  at  the  small  end,  and  terminating  in  an  or- 
ifice of  the  size  of  a  pin.  Sometimes  they  are  made  in 
several  parts,  so  that  they  can  be  taken  in  pieces,  for 
the  convenience  of  carriage.  This  instrument  is  used 
by  taking  the  large  end  in  the  mouth,  placing  the  small 
end  in  the  flame  of  a  candle,  and  directing  the  flame 
by  gently  blowing  on  the  mineral,  which  is  placed  on 
a  charcoal  support. 


INTRODUCTION.  XL1X 

The  following  observations  for  the  use  of  the   blowpipe  are 
from  Aikin. 

1.  "  Few  persons  are  able  at  first  to  produce  a  continued  stream  of 
air  through  the  blowpipe,  and  the  attempt  often  occasions  a  great 
deal  of  fatigue  ;  I  shall  make  no  apology  therefore,  tor  treating  this 
matter  somewhat  in  detail.  The  first  thing  to  be  done  is  to  acquire 
the  habit  of  breathing  easily  and  without  fatigue,  through  the  nostrils 
alone  ;  then  to  do  the  same  while  the  mouth  is  filled  and  the  cheeks 
inflated  with  air,  the  tongue  being  at  the  same  time  slightly  raised  to 
the  roof  of  the  mouth,  in  order  to  obstruct  the  communication  between 
the  mouth  and  throat.  When  this  has  been  acquired,  the  blowpipe 
may  be  put  into  the  mouth  arid  the  confined  air  expelled  through  the 
pipe  by  means  of  the  muscles  of  the  cheeks :  as  soon  as  the  air  is 
nearly  exhausted,  the  respiration  from  the  lungs  instead  of  being  made 
through  the  nostrils,  is  to  be  forced  into  the  cavity  of  the  mouth  ;  the 
communication  is  then  instantly  to  be  shut  again  by  the  tongue,  and 
the  remainder  of  the  respiration  is  to  be  expelled  through  the  nostrils. 
'I' he  second  and  all  subsequent  supplies  of  air  to  the  blowpipe,  are  to 
be  introduced  in  the  same  manner  as  the  first :  thus  with  a  little  prac- 
tice, the  power  may  be  obtained  of  keeping  up  a  continued  blast,  for 
a  quarter  of  an  hour,  or  longer,  without  inconvenience. 

2.  "  Much  depends  on  the  size  of  the  external  aperture  of  the  blow- 
pipe. If  so  large  that  the  mouth  requires  frequent  replenishing,  the 
flame  will  be  wavering,  and  the  operator  will  soon  be  out  of  breath : 
if  on  the  other  hand  the  aperture  be  too  small,  the  muscles  of  the 
cheeks  must  be  strongly  contracted,  in  order  to  produce  a  sufficient 
current,  and  pain,  and  great  fatigue  of  the  part,  will  soon  be  the  con- 
sequence. An  aperture  about  the  size  of  the  smallest  pin-hole,  will 
generally  be  found  the  most  convenient,  though  for  particular  purpo- 
ses, one  somewhat  larger,  or  a  little  smaller  may  be  required. 

3.  "  The  fuel  for  this  little  reverberatory  furnace  (as  the  blowpipe 
apparatus  may  without  impropriety  be  denominated)  is  oil,  tallow,  or 
wax,  kept  in  combustion  by  means  of  a  wick  :  the  oil   is  the  worst, 
the  tallow  is  better,   and  the    wax  is  the   best,  not  only  as  being  the 
cleanest,  and  free  from  any  offensive  smell,  but  also  as  affording  the 
greatest  heat.     The  management  of  the  wick,  too,  is  a  matter  of  some 
nicety  :  it  should  neither  be  too  high,  nor  snulFed  too  low,  and  should 
be  a  little  bent  at  its  summit  from  the  blast  of  the  pipe.     All  casual 
currents  and  drafts  of  wind,  ought  to  be  carefully  avoided,  as  render- 
ing the  flame  unsteady,  and  very  materially  impairing  its  strength. 

4.  "  The  above  conditions  being  complied  with,  the  flame  while  act- 
ed on  by  the  pipe,  will  evidently  consist  of  two  parts,  an  outer  and 
inner  :  the  latter  will  be  of  a  light  blue  color,  converging  to  a  point  at 
the   distance  of  about  an  inch  from  the  nozle,  the  outer  will  be  of  a 
yellowish   white  color,  and   will  converge  less  perfectly.     The  most 
intense  heat,  is  just  at  the  point  of  the  inner  blue  flame. 

5.  "The  supports  of  the  various  substances  while  undergoing  the 
action  of  the   blowpipe,  come  next  to  be  considered.     Of  supports, 
there  are  two  kinds,  Combustible,  and  Incombustible.     The  combus- 
tible supports,   (used  chiefly  for  metallic  ores.)  is  Charcoal.     T 


L  INTRODUCTION. 

closest  grained,  and  soundest  pieces  are  to  be  selected  for  this  pur- 
pose, and  even  the  best  often  split,  and  become  rifty  after  being  used 
for  a  short  time.  [If  pieces  of  birch,  or  maple  coal,  burned  in  a  coal 
pit,  be  selected,  they  will  not  be  liable  to  this  accident.] 

6.  "  The  incombustible  supports,  are  Metal,  Glass,  and  Earth;  in 
the  use  of  all  which,  one  general  caution  may  be  given  :  to  make 
them  as  little  bulky  as  possible.     The  support,  [charcoal  excepted,] 
always  abstracts  more  or  less,  of  the  heat,  and  in  many  cases,  espe- 
cially where  metallic  spoons  are  employed,  entirely  prevents  the  flame 
from  producing  its  due  effect.     The  best  metallic  support  is  Platina, 
because  it  is  infusible,  and  transmits  heat  to  a  less  distance,  and  more 
slowly  than  other  metals      A  pair  of  slender  forceps  of  brass,  point- 
ed with  platina,  is  the  best  possible  support  for  non-metallic  minerals, 
that  are  not  very  fusible  :  for  the  fusible  earthy  minerals,  and  for  the 
infusible  ones  when   fluxes  are  used,  leaf  platina  will  be  found  the 
most  convenient  ;  it  may  be  folded  like  paper,   into  any  desirable 
form,  and  the  result  of  the  experiment  may  be  obtained,  simply  by  un- 
folding the  leaf  in  which  it  was  wrapped  up.     [Where  a  flux  is  used 
that  does  not  spread,  I  hare  always  found  the  solid  birch,  or  maple 
charcoal,  the  very  best  support.     When  potash  is  used,  which  spreads 
on  charcoal,  the  platina  foil  may  be  employed.]     With  regard  to  the 
magnitude  of  the  specimens  required  for  examination,  no  very  pre- 
cise directions  can  be  given  :  the  most  fusible,  such  as  some  of  the 
metallic  ores,  (galena),  may  be  as  large  as  a  small  pea,   while  the 
most  refractory  of  the  earthy  minerals,  should  scarcely  exceed  the 
bulk  of  a  pin's  head." 

7.  On  first  application  of  the  heat,  the  outer  flame  only  should  be 
thrown  on  the  mineral,  as  some  will  decrepitate,  or  split  in  pieces, 
with  a  stronger  heat.     The  changes  also,   which  some  minerals  un- 
dergo by  heat,  are  best  observed  when  their  temperature  is  raised 
slowly. 

8.  In  the  metallic  ores,  fluxes  are  used,  and  it  is  often  the  case, 
that  the  best  test  of  the  pressure  of  certain  metals,  is  the  color  which 
they  give  the  flux. 

9.  One  of  the  most  common  as  well  as  convenient  fluxes,  is  glass 
of  borax,  or  borax  deprived  of  its  water  of  crystallization,  by  previous- 
ly heating  it.     This  will  neither  spread  on  the  charcoal,  nor  sink  into 
it,  but  always  takes  the  form  of  a  round  globule.     For  this  purpose, 
the  borax,  as  well  as  the  mineral,  ought  to  be  in  the  state  of  powder, 
and  made  into  a  little  ball  with  a  drop  of  water.     When  it  is  desired 
to  reduce  the  mineral  to  its  metallic  state,  charcoal  is  the  proper  sup- 
port :  but  where  we  wish  to  obtain  a  colored  glass,  platina  leaf  is  the 
best  ;  a  good  piece  of  charcoal  will,  however,  answer  for  both.  Some- 
times nitrous  borax,  is  employed  as  a  flux.     It  is  made  by  dissolving 
borax  in  hot  water,  and  adding  nitrous  acid,  to  neutralize  the  excess 
of  alkali. 

40.    ACTION  OF  ACIDS. 

73.  Although  complete  analysis,  be  not  the  object  in 
subjecting  minerals  to  the  action  of  acids,  yet  we  may 


INTRODUCTION.  LI 

thereby  obtain  characteristic  information  in  regard  to 
many  minerals,  especially  the  acidiferous,  and  some  of 
the  alkalino-earthy  minerals. 

Obs.  "  In  this  process,  it  will  often  suffice,  that  a  small  fragment  of 
the  mineral,  or  portion  of  it  reduced  to  powder,  should  be  placed  in  a 
concave  receiver,  a  watch  glass,  for  instance,  and  that  it  should  be 
covered  with  diluted  acid  ;  for  this  purpose,  the  muriatic  is  common- 
ly used,  but  the  nitric,  or  sulphuric  is  sometimes  employed.  When 
the  effervescence  ensues,  it  is  important  to  notice  the  rapidity  of  ef- 
fervescence ;  in  some  minerals,  it  is  great  and  rapid,  in  others,  slow, 
and  not  very  apparent  ;  sometimes  the  solution  is  complete  ;  some- 
times a  residue  is  left,  and  occasionally,  as  in  some  of  the  alkalino- 
earthy  substances,  the  solution  becomes  gelatinous.  In  most  cases, 
the  process  is  carried  on  at  the  common  temperature,  in  others,  by 
the  application  of  a  gentle  heat. 

Hence,  it  will  be  concluded  that  in  more  than  a  few  instances,  the 
consequences  of  the  action  of  acids,  form  an  important  feature  among 
the  characters  of  minerals."— -Phillips. 


EXPLANATION  OF  TERMS,  &c. 

Commonly  used  in  Mineralogical  Descriptions. 


Acicular.  Long,  slender,  and  straight  prisms,  or  crystals,  are  term- 
ed acicular,  from  the  latin,  acicula,  a  little  needle. 

Acute  rhomboid.     See  Rhomboid. 

Acute  octahedron.     See  Octohedron. 

Aggregated.  A  mineral  rock  is  said  to  be  aggregated,  when  the 
several  component  parts  only  adhere  together,  and  may  be  sep- 
arated by  mechanical  means  :  the  felspar,  quartz,  and  mica,  con- 
stituting granite,  may  be  separated  mechanically.  Granite  is 
an  aggregated  rock. 

Alliaceous.  The  odour  given  out  by  arsenical  minerals,  when  expo- 
sed to  the  blow-pipe  or  struck  by  the  hammer,  resembles  that  of 
garlic,  in  latin,  allium  ;  whence  alliaceous. 

Alloy.  A  natural  combination  of  two  or  more  metals  in  the  metal- 
lic state. 

Amalgam.  A  natural  combination  of  two  metals,  of  which  mercury 
is  one. 

Amorphous.  Without  form  ;  of  undefinable  shape  ;  from  the  Greek, 
(amorphos)  having  that  signification.  Amorphous  minerals  are 
sometimes  described  as  being  of  indeterminate,  or  indefinite 
forms. 

Anhydrous,  from  the  Greek,  (anudros),  signifying  without  water  ; 
anhydrous  gypsum  is  without  water. 

Arborescent.  From  the  Latin,  arboresco,  to  grow  like  a  tree ;  see 
Dendritic. 

Arseniate.  A  term  applied  to  a  mineral  consisting  of  the  arsenic 
ar.id  united  with  a  base,  as  of  copper  in  the  arseniate  of  copper. 

Base.  A  term  denoting  the  substance  to  which  an  acid  is  united  : 
in  the  arseniate  of  copper,  the  copper  is  the  base. 

Bevelled,  see  p.  xlii. 

Borate.  A  mineral  in  which  the  boracic  acid  is  combined  with  a 
base,  as  of  magnesia,  in  the  borate  of  magnesia. 

Botryoidal.  From  the  Greek,  (botruodes)  signifying,  hung  with  clus- 
ters of  grapes  or  berries.  So  a  mineral  presenting  an  aggrega- 
tion of  large  sections  of  numerous  small  globes,  is  termed  bo- 
tryoidal  ;  but  when  the  globes  are  larger,  and  the  portions  are 
less,  and  separate,  the  appearance  is  expressed  by  the  term  ma- 
millated.  These  forms  may  be  observed  in  certain  ores  of  co- 
balt, copper,  and  manganese,  and  often  in  chalcedony. 

Bladed.  This  term  relates  chiefly  to  the  structure  of  such  minerals 
as,  on  being  broken,  present  long  flat  portions  longitudinally  ag- 


EXPLANATIONS  OP  TERMS,  &C.  LIII 

gregated,  and  somewhat  resembling  the  blade  of  a  knife  ;  this 
appearance  may  in  general  be  considered  as  the  effect  of  in- 
terrupted crystallization. 

Brittle.  This  character  of  mineral  bodies  does  not  depend  upon 
their  hardness  ;  those  of  which  the  particles  cohere  in  the  high- 
est degree,  and  are  immoveable  one  among  another,  are  the 
most  brittle.  The  diamond,  quartz,  sulphate  of  barytes  and  sul- 
phur, vary  greatly  as  to  hardness  ;  they  .are  all  brittle,  the  first 
only  in  particular  directions. 

Canaliculated ;  presenting  deep  channels  on  the  surface,  resulting 
either  from  interrupted  crystallization,  or  the  aggregation  of  nu- 
merous crystals. 

Capillary,  is  derived  from  the  Latin,  capillus,  a  hair,  and  is  chiefly 
used  to  express  the  long,  tortuous,  hair-like  appearances,  to  be 
observed  in  native  gold,  and  silver,  and  some  other  minerals. 
Crystals  are  sometimes  termed  capillary,  when  long  and  slender  ; 
but  when  straight,  they  are  more  properly  designated  by  the 
term  acicular. 

Carbon,  see  p.  cclxxxi. 

Carbonate.  A  mineral  in  which  the  carbonic  acid  is  combined  with 
a  base,  as  of  lime,  in  the  carbonate  of  lime. 

Cavernous.  A  mineral  in  which  there  are  considerable  hollows  or 
cavities,  is  said  to  be  cavernous. 

Cellular.  This  term  was  used  by  Werner  in  the  description  of  such 
minerals  as  exhibit  cells  formed  by  the  crossing  and  intersecting 
of  the  laminas  or  lamellae  of  which  they  are  constituted  :  com- 
monly, any  mineral  presenting  numerous  small  cells  or  cavities, 
is  termed  cellular :  see  vesicular. 

Chatoyant,  has  been  adopted  from  the  French,  who  use  it  to  express' 
the  changeable  light  resembling  that  to  be  observed  in  the  eye 
of  a  cat,  to  be  seen  in  certain  minerals  ;  as  in  the  Cat's-eve. 

Chromate ;  a  mineral  in  which  the  chromic  acid  is  united  with  a 
base,  as  of  lead,  in  the  chromate  of  lead. 

Cleavage.  This  term  is  njost  commonly  used  in  relation  to  the  frac- 
ture of  those  minerals  which,  having  natural  joints,  possess  a 
regular  structure,  and  may  be  cleaved  into  more  or  less  geomet- 
rical fragments;  as,  into  varieties  of  the  parallelepiped,  the 
rhomboid,  &c. 

Coherent.  In  minerals  that  are  brittle,  the  particles  are  strongly  co- 
herent; in  such  as  are  friable,  they  are  slightly  coherent. 

Columnar  distinct  concretions  ;  a  term  used  to  express  the  great  and 
small  columns  in  which  certain  basalts  and  iron  ores  are  found  : 
but  Werner  included  under  this  term  all  the  columnar  appear- 
ances in  every  mineral  consisting  of  numerous  aggregated  crys- 
tals, which  readily  divide  into  long  and  narrow  portions  of  irreg- 
ular form,  owing  to  interrupted  crystillization — such  as  the  ame- 
thyst, pyrites,  fluor  spar,  quartz,  &LC. 

Combustion.     During  the  burning  of  a  combustible,  in  common  ca- 
ses, oxygen  unites  with  it,  or  with  some  of  its  ingredients  :  and 
H 


EXPLANATIONS  OP  TERMS,  (fee. 

the  product  of  the  combustion  is  either  an  oxide,  an  acid,  or 
an  alkali. 

Compact.  A  mineral  is  compact  when  no  particular  or  distinct  parts 
are  discernible  ;  a  compact  mineral  cannot  be  cleaved  or  divid- 
ed into  regular  or  parallel  portions.  The  term  compact  is  too 
often  confounded  with  the  term  massive. 

Concentric  lamellar.  This  may  be  said  to  relate  to  structure,  being 
used  in  the  description  of  such  minerals,  as,  being  of  a  spherical 
form,  or  of  any  portion  of  a  sphere,  have  received  successive 
coatings  of  depositions.  If  an  onion  be  cut  in  two,  it  exhibits 
the  concentric  lamellar  in  perfection. 

Conchoidal,  relates  only  to  fracture  ;  and  is  doubtless  derived  from 
the  Latin,  conchoides,  signifying  like  the  shell  of  a  fish.  Frag- 
ments of  many  of  the  brittle  minerals  exhibit  this  appearance, 
and  occasionally  in  great  perfection,  as  quartz  and  sulphur  :  the 
fracture  of  compact  minerals  is  frequently  more  or  less  perfectly 
conchoidal. 

Concretion,  generally  signifies  a  small  and  distinct  mass. 

CoraMoidal,  resembling  branches  of  coral. 

Cuneiform,    wedge-shaped  ;  cuneus,  in  Latin,  signifies  a  wedge. 

Cuneiform  octohedron.    See  octohedron. 

Decomposed.  This  term,  when  used  strictly  in  a  mineralogical  sense, 
imports  the  consequence  of  the  chemical  action  which  takes 
place  naturally  in  some  minerals.  Certain  ores  of  iron,  &c.  in 
which  sulphur  predominates  in  an  unusual  degree,  decompose 
by  exposure  to  air. 

Decrepitate.  A  mineral  is  said  to  decrepitate  on  exposure  to  heat, 
when  it  flies  with  a  crackling  noise  similar  to  that  made  by  salt 
when  thrown  into  the  fire. 

Dentritic ;  derived  from  the  Greek,  (dentritis)  signifying  like  the 
growth  of  a  tree.  The  terms  arborescent  and  dentritic  are  used 
synonimously  :  they  are  alike  applied  to  the  tree-like  appear- 
ance in  which  native  silver  and  native  copper  are  sometimes 
found  ;  to  the  delineations  seen  on  the  surfaces  of  certain  miner- 
i  als  ;  and  to  the  appearance  in  the  mocha-stone,  &c. 

Dentiform  or  Dentated ;  in  the  shape  of  teeth  ;  dens  being  the  La- 
tin for  a  tooth, 

Disseminated.  When  a  mineral,  whether  crystallized  or  otherwise, 
is  found  here  and  there  imbedded  in  a  mass  of  another  substance, 
it  is  said  to  be  disseminted  in  the  mass.  Crystals  of  quartz 
sometimes  occur,  disseminated  in  Carrara  marble,  &c. 

Disintegrated.  This  term  is  generally  used  to  express  the  falling 
to  pieces  of  any  mineral,  without  any  perceptible  chemical 
action. 

Diverging  or  divergent.  When  the  structure  is  fibrous,  and  the  fi- 
bres are  not  parallel,  they  usually  diverge  in  part,  but  not  whol- 
ly, around  a  common  centre  ;  as  in  certain  zeolites,  and  haema- 
titic  iron  ores.  The  crystals  of  some  substances  assume  a  di- 
verging position. 


EXPLANATION  OF  TERMS,  &C.  LV 

Drusy,  has  been  adopted  from  the  German  term  drusen,  for  which 
we  have  no  English  word.  The  surface  of  a  mineral  is  said  to 
be  driisy  when  composed  of  very  small  prominent  crystals  near* 
ly  equal  to  each  other  ;  it  is  often  seen  in  iron  pyrites. 

Efflorescence.  An  efflorescence  is  the  consequence  of  chemical 
action  ;  it  is  usually  applied  to  such  minerals  as  are  found  in 
extremely  minute  fibres  on  old  walls,  &c.  &c. 

Elastic.  A  mineral  which,  after  being  bent,  springs  back  to  its  orig- 
inal form,  is  elastic.  Mica  is  elastic  ;  talc,  which  greatly  re- 
sembles mica,  is  only  flexible. 

Earthy.  This  term  relates  to  fracture,  and  to  texture.  Chalk  and 
certain  of  the  ores  of  iron  and  lead  are  notable  instances  of  the 
earthy  fracture  or  texture. 

Fasciculated.  When  a  number  of  minute  fibres  or  acicular  crystals 
occur  in  small  aggregations  or  bundles,  they  are  said  to  be  fas- 
ciculated ;  a  term  doubtless  derived  from  the  Latin,  fasciculus  a 
little  bundle.  This  appearance  often  occurs  in  green  carbonate, 
and  arseniate  of  copper. 

Fibrous.  This  term  relates  both  to  form  and  structure.  Certain 
minerals,  as  amianthus,  amianthiform  arseniate  of  copper,  a  vari- 
ety of  gypsum,  &-c.  occur  in  distinct  fibres.  Asbestus,  gypsum, 
red  haematitic  iron  ore,  &c  are  found  massive,  and  of  a  paral- 
lel fibrous  structure ;  some  varieties  of  red  hsematite  and  oth- 
er minerals  are  of  a  radiating  fibrous  structure,  when  the  fibres 
diverge  from  a  common  centre. 

Filament.  A  mineral  is  said  to  occur  in  filaments,  when  it  is  found 
in  slender,  thread-like  or  hair-like  portions.  It  is  therefore 
nearly  synonimous  with  the  term  capillary. 

Filliform,  is  used  in  the  same  sense  as  the  preceding  ;  but  Werner 
confined  its  use  to  express  the  appearance  of  certain  metals 
which  occur  in  the  form  of  wire,  as  native  silver  and  native  cop^ 
per.  Filum  in  Latin,  signifies  thread  ;  filum  metalli,  wire. 

Fistuliform.  Minerals  occurring  in  round  hollow  columns,  are  term- 
ed fistuliform ;  fistula,  in  Latin,  signifies  a  pipe.  Stalactites 
and  iron  pyrites  occur  fistuliform. 

Flexible.  Talc  is  flexible  ;  it  readily  bends,  but  does  not  return  to 
its  original  form.  Mica  is  both  flexible  and  elastic. 

Fluate.  This  term  designates  a  mineral  in  which  the  fluoric  acid  is 
combined  with  a  base,  as  with  lime,  in  the  fluate  of  lime. 

Foliated.  This  term,  which  doubtless  is  derived  from  the  Latin  foli- 
atus,  having,  or  consisting  of  leaves,  is  used  by  Werner  to  ex- 
press the  structure  of  all  minerals  that  may  be  divided  or  cleav- 
ed regularly,  and  are  therefore  by  him  said  to  consist  of  folia  or 
leaves.  The  structure  of  such  minerals  is  more  commonly  and 
better  expressed  by  the  term  lamellar ;  and  they  are  said  to  con- 
sist of  laminae. 

Fracture,  is  a  term  now  chiefly  employed  in  designating  the  appear- 
ance of  minerals  which  have  no  regular  structure,  when  they  are 
broken  ;  such  minerals  present  an  earthy,  even,  uneven,  or  a 
conchoidal  fracture,  &c. 


LVI  EXPLANATION  OF  TERMS,  &C. 

Frangible.  The  term  frangibility  has  relation  to  the  susceptibility  of 
minerals  to  separate  into  fragments  by  force  :  this  quality  in  min- 
erals is  not  dependent  on  their  hardness  ;  the  structure  of  some 
and  the  brittleness  of  others,  renders  Ihem  easily  frangible ; 
while  others,  which  from  their  softness,  and  the  ease  with  which 
their  particles  or  molecules  yield  or  slide  over  one  another,  are 
with  much  more  difficulty  frangible  ;  such  minerals  possess  the 
character  of  toughness.  Quartz  is  easily  broken,  asbestus  is 
tough. 

Friable.  A  mineral  whose  portions  or  particles  slightly  cohere,  and 
which  is  therefore  easily  crumbled  or  broken  down,  is  said  to  be 
friable,  or  in  a  friable  state. 

Fungiform  Certain  substances,  as  for  instance  calcareous  stalac- 
tites, are  occasionally  met  with  having  a  termination  similar  to 
the  head  of  a  fungus;  whence  they  are  said  to  be  fungiform. 

Gangue,  Gangart.  We  have  these  terms  from  the  Germans ;  the 
gangue  of  a  mineral,  is  the  substance,  in,  or  upon  which,  a  min- 
eral is  found  :  it  is  sometimes  termed  the  matrix.  Silver,  oc- 
curring in,  or  upon  carbonate  of  lime,  is  said  to  have  carbonate 
of  lime  for  its  gangue  matrix. 

Geodt.  This  also  we  derive  from  the  Germans.  A  geode  is  a  hol- 
low ball  ;  at  Oberstein,  in  Saxony,  are  found  hollow  balls  of  agate 
lined  with  crystals  of  quartz  or  amethyst,  which  are  termed 
geodes. 

Glance  is  also  a  German  wood,  meaning  shining  ;  thus,  the  followers 
of  that  school  use  the  terms  glance-coal,  copper-glance,  &c. 

Globular  distinct  concretion  is  used  to  designate  the  form  of  any  min- 
eral which  occurs  in  little  round  or  roundish  masses  ;  the  pea- 
stone  and  roe-stone  are  examples  of  it. 

Granular.  The  structure  of  a  mineral  is  said  to  be  granular,  when 
it  appears  to  consist  of  small  grains  or  concretions,  which  some- 
times can,  sometimes  cannot,  be  discerned  without  the  help  of  a 
glass  ;  we  have  therefore  the  fine  granular,  and  the  coarse  gran- 
ular structure. 

Greasy  is  used  in  relation  to  lustre  ;  fat  quartz  has  a  greasy  lustre. 

Hacldy.  This  term  relates  to  a  fracture  which  is  peculiar  to  the 
malleable  metals  ;  which,  when  fractured,  present  sharp  protrud- 
ing points. 

Hcemaiite  is  derived  from  a  Greek  word,  signifying  blood-red  ;  it 
was  first  applied  by  mineralogists  to  the  variety  of  iron  ore  which 
now  is  called  the  Ked  Haematite  ;  but  has   since  been  extended' 
to  other  iron  ores  of  the  same  structure,  but  differing  in  color. 
We  have  also  brown  haematites,  and  black  haematites. 

Hepatic.  A  term  derived  from  the  Latin,  hepar,  the  liver;  it  is  ap- 
plied either  to  color  or  form.  We  have  hepatic  pyrites,  hepatic 
quicksilver ;  hepatite,  &,c. 

Hydrate  is  derived  from  the  Greek,  (udor)  water  ;  and  is  applied  to 


EXPLANATION  OF  TERMS,  &C.  LYH 

certain  of  those  minerals  (as  the  hydrate  of  magnesia)  of  which 
water  forms  an  ingredient  in  very  large  proportion. 

Imbedded.  A  mineral  found  in  a  mass  of  another  substance,  is  said 
to  be  imbedded  in  it.  Crystallized  quartz  occurs  imbedded  in 
Carrara  marble.  It  also  occurs  partly  imbedded  in  other  sub- 
stances, as  in  fluor. 

Indeterminate.  Indefinite.  These  terms  are  used  synonymously  with 
Amorphous  in  describing  minerals  which  have  no  particular,  or 
definable  form.  Crystals  of  which  the  form  cannot  be  accurate- 
ly ascertained,  are  said  to  be  of  indeterminate  forms. 

Incrusting  :  any  substance  covered  by  a  mineral,  is  sometimes  said 
to  be  incrusted  by  it  :  thus  the  various  articles  which  are  placed 
for  a  certain  length  of  time  in  certain  springs  or  wells  in  Der- 
byshire, &c.  and  which  are  by  some  supposed  to  be  converted 
into  petrifactions,  are  only  incrusted  with  calcareous,  or  argilla- 
ceous matter. 

Interlacing.  Interlaced.  When  fibres  or  crystals  of  a  mineral  are 
found  intermingling  with  each  other  in  various  directions,  they 
are  said  to  be  interlacing  or  interlaced. 

Investing,  A  mineral  coating,  or  covering  another,  is  sometimes  de- 
scribed as  investing  it. 

Iridescent.  This  term  relates  only  to  the  color  with  which  the  sur- 
faces of  some  minerals  are  naturally  tarnished  :  as  yellow  copper 
ore,  iron  pyrites,  galena,  sulphuret  of  antimony,  &,c. 

Irised.  A  mineral  is  described  as  irised  which  exhibits  the  pris- 
matic colors  either  externally,  or  internally  :  the  latter  is  gener- 
ally the  consequence  of  some  injury  sustained  by  the  mineral. 

Lamella.  If  a  mineral  be  found  in  very  minute,  thin  plates,  it  is  said 
to  occur  in  lamella?. 

Lamellar ;  this  term  relates  to  structure  :  when  a  mineral  can  be 
fractured  or  cleaved  into  regular  and  parallel  plates  its  structure 
is  said  to  be  lamellar  ;  and  the  portions  thus  obtained  are  termed 
laminae  or  lamellee  ;  these  terms  have  been  adopted  from  the 
Latin,  in  which  they  were  almost  synonimously  used  to  express 
th inflates  of  any  substance. 

Lamellar  distinct  concretions.  This  term  is  sometimes  used  to  ex- 
press the  form  of  certain  minerals  (as  the  oxide  of  uranium)  con- 
sisting of  separate  tabular  crystals. 

Lamelliform,  A  minearl  consisting  of  lamellae,  is  said  to  be  lamelli- 
form. 

LamintB.     See  Lamellar. 

Lenticular  is  employed  to  express  the  form  of  certain  crystals  which 
are  nearly  flat,  and  convex  above  and  beneath  ;  and  .which  con- 
sequently resemble  a  common  lens. 

Malleability.  Some  of  the  metals  suffer  extension  when  beaten  with 
a  hammer  ;  and  are  therefore  termed  malleable  metals.  Native 
gold  and  native  silver  are  very  malleable  metals. 


LVIII  EXPLANATION  OP  TERMS,  &C. 

Mamillated.     See  Botryoidal. 

Massive.  This  term  is  sometimes  used  in  describing  a  substance  of 
indeterminate  form,  whatever  may  be  its  internal  structure  ;  but 
is  more  commonly  applied  to  those  minerals  which  possess 
regular  internal  structure,  without  any  particular  external  form. 

Matrix.     See  Gangue. 

Meagre.  This  term  relates  to  the  touch  or  feel  of  a  mineral.  It  be- 
longs chiefly  to  some  of  those  minerals  which  are  of  an  earthy 
texture.  Chalk  is  remarkably  meagre  to  the  touch. 

Mechanical  division,  see  p.  23. 

Molybdate ;  a  mineral  in  which  the  molybdic  acid  is  combined  with  a 
base,  as  with  oxide  of  lead  in  the  molybdate  of  lead. 

Muriate  ;  a  mineral  in  which  the  muriatic  acid  is  combined  with  a 
base,  as  with  soda,  in  the  muriate  of  soda. 

Natural  joints.  Such  minerals  as  can  be  broken  into  regular  forms, 
as  the  cube,  rhomboid,  &c.  can  be  cleaved  into  those  forms,  only 
in  the  direction  of,  or  along,  their  natural  joints.  In  some  min- 
erals, however,  the  natural  joints  are  perceptible  by  the  assist- 
ance of  a  strong  light. 

Nacreous  relates  to  lustre  ;  and  is  employed  to  express  the  lustre  of 
some  minerals  (as  of  pearl  spar)  which  greatly  resembles  that  of 
pearl.  Nacre  de  Perle,  in  French,  signifies  Mother  of  Pearl. 

Nitrate.  A  mineral  in  which  the  nitric  acid  is  combined  with  a  base, 
as  with  potash,  in  the  nitrate  of  potash. 

Nodular.  A  mineral  which  presents  irregularly  globular  elevations3 
is  termed  Nodular.  Flint  is  found  in  nodular  masses. 

Oblique  prism,  see  Prism. 

Obtuse  octohedron,  see  Octohedron. 

Obtuse  rhomboid,  see  Rhomboid. 

Octohedron.  Octohedrons  are  of  several  kinds.  An  octohedron  is 
sometimes  described  as  two  four-sided  pyramids,  base  to  base. 
In  the  regular  octohedron,  the  three  sides  of  each  plane  are  of 
the  same  length.  In  the  obtuse  octohedron,  the  base  is  longer 
than  the  two  sides.  In  the  acute  octohedron,  the  base  is  shorter 
than  the  two  sides.  In  some  obtuse  and  acute  octohedrons,  the 
-  base  is  square,  in  others,  rectangular,  but  not  square.  In  the 
rhomboidal  octohedron,  the  common  base  is  a  rhomb  or  rhombic  ; 
and  the  three  sides  of  each  plane  are  of  different  lengths.  In 
the  cuneiform  octohedron,  the  common  base  of  the  pyramids  is 
not  square,  and  the  planes  are  not  all  equal,  but  resemble  each 
other  two  and  two,  on  opposite  sides  of  the  pyramid. 

Opnke.  Those  minerals  are  opake  which  do  not  transmit  a  percep- 
tible ray  of  light  even  through  the  thinnest  and  smallest  pieces. 

Oxide-  This  term  is  used  mineralogically  to  designate  metallic  min- 
erals, in  which  the  metal  is  combined  with  any  proportion  of  ox- 
ygen, which  is  less  than  suffices  to  convert  it  into  an  acid.  Iron 
is  found  in  different  states  of  oxidation.  Every  metal  which  is 
found  united  with  an  acid,  is,  when  so  combined,  in  the  state  of 


EXPLANATION  OF  TERMS,  &C. 

an  oxide  :  but  when   united  with  sulphur,  the  metals  are  not  in 
the  state  of  oxides,  but  in  the  metallic  state. 

Parallelopiped,  see  p.  22. 

Pass  into.  One  mineral  is  said  to  pass  into  another,  when  both  are 
found  so  blended  in  the  same  specimen,  that  it  is  impossible  to 
decide  where  the  one  terminates,  and  the  other  begins.  Flint 
is  found  passing  into  chalcedony. 

Pectinated.  If  a  mineral  exhibit  short  filaments,  crystals,  or  branch- 
es which  are  nearly  parallel  and  equidistant,  it  is  pectinated  : 
pecten,  in  Latin,  signifies  a  comb 

Peroxide,  when  a  metal  has  the  largest  quantity  of  oxygen. 

Porous.  A  mineral  is  said  to  be  porous,  when  it  is  traversed  in  dif- 
ferent directions  with  communicating  holes  which  pass  through 
the  substance. 

Primary  crystal,  see  p.  22. 

Protoxide,  when  a  metal  has  the  smallest  quantity  of  oxygen. 

Phosphate.  A  mineral  in  which  the  phosphoric  acid  is  combined 
with  a  base,  as  with  lime,  in  the  phosphate  of  lime. 

Prism.  Prisms  have  four  or  more  sides  surrounding  the  axis  :  they 
are  sometimes  terminated  by  a  single  plane,  and  when  this  plane 

•  is  at  right  angles  to  the  axis,  we  have  a  right  prism ;  but  if  the 
terminating  plane  be  not  at  right  angles  to  the  axis,  we  have  an 
oblique  prism.  If  the  sides  of  a  quadrangular  prism,  are  at  right 
angles  with  each  other,  we  have  a  rectangular  prism,  and  if  the 
sides  be  of  equal  width,  a  square  prism,  and  its  height  is  either 
greater  or  less  than  that  of  the  cube. 

Pseudomorphous.  Minerals  exhibiting  impressions  of  the  forms  pe- 
culiar to  the  crystals  of  other  substances  are  said  to  be  pseudo- 
morphous.  Quartz  exhibiting  crystals  in  the  form  of  the  cube  ; 
calamine,  such  as  are  peculiar  to  carbonate  of  lime,  &-c.  are 
termed  pseudomorphous  :  From  two  Greek  words,  signifying 
false  form,  or  figure. 

Pulverulent.  When  the  particles  of  a  mineral  are  very  minute  and 
cohere  very  slightly,  or  not  at  all,  it  is  said  to  be  pulverulent ;  or 
in  the  pulverulent  state. 

Radiated ;  radiatus,  in  Latin,  signifies  beset  with  rays  ;  when  the 
crystals  of  a  mineral  are  so  disposed  as  to  diverge  from  a  centre, 
they  are  said  to  be  radiated. 

Ramose  ;  ramus,  in  Latin,  signifies  the  branch  of  a  tree;  a  mineral 
having  that  appearance  is  described  as  being  ramose. 

Rectangular  prism,  see  Prism. 

Refractory.  The  term  is  used  both  chemically  and  mechanical- 
ly in  relation  to  minerals.  It  is  sometimes  applied  to  those 
which  strongly  resist  the  application  of  heat  ;  and  occasionally 
to  some  whose  toughness  enables  them  to  resist  repeated  blows. 

Reniform.     Kidney-shaped  ;  ren,  in  Latin,  signifies  kidney. 

Replacement,  see  p.  33. 

Retiform,  Reticulated.  Minerals  occurring  in  parallel  fibres,  crossed 
at  right  angles  by  other  fibres  which  also  are  parallel,  exhibit 


LX  EXPLANATION  OP  TERMS,  &C. 

squares,  like  the  meshes  of  a  net.  Retis,  in  Latin,  signifies  a. 
net.  .  We  have  reticulated  native  silver,  native  copper,  red  ox- 
ide of  copper,  &/c.  And  it  may  be  remarked  that  such  minerals 
as  occur  reticulated,  generally  assume  the  cube,  as  one  of  their 
crystalline  forms. 

Rhomboidal  octahedron,  see  Octohedron. 

Right  Prism,  see  Prism. 

Rhomboid.  Rhomboids  are  of  two  kinds ;  obtuse  and  acute.  In 
each  there  are  two  points  that  may  be  termed  the  apices.  The 
planes  of  the  obtuse  rhomboid  meet  at  each  apex,  under  one  ob- 
tuse and  two  acute  angles  :  while  three  planes  of  the  acute 
rhomboid,  meet  at  the  apex  under  acute  angles. 

Schistose  structure.  Minerals  which  split  only  in  one  direction,  and 
present  fragments  which  are  parallel,  but  of  unequal  thickness, 
which  also  are  not  smooth  and  even,  and  are  without  lustre,  are 
said  to  possess  a  schistose  structure.  Schist  in  the  German  sig- 
nifies slate. 

Scopiform.  If  a  number  of  minute  crystals  or  fibres  be  closely  ag- 
gregated into  a  little  bundle,  with  the  appearance  of  diverging 
slightly  from  a  common  centre,  they  are  said  to  be  scopiform. 
Scopa  in  Latin,  signifies  a  broom  or  besom. 

Secondary  Crystals,  or  forms.  Such  crystals  as  do  not  exhibit  any 
portion  of  the  primary  planes  are  termed  secondary  crystals. 
Thus,  in  fluor,  the  cube  is  a  secondary  crystal. 

Set  tile.  The  term  sectile  is  derived  from  the  Latin,  seco,  to  cut. 
Those  minerals  are  termed  sectile  which  are  midway  between 
the  brittle  and  the  malleable.  A  slice  or  portion  cut  from  a  sec- 
tile  mineral,  is  fragile,  and  the  new  surface  on  the  mass  is  smooth 
and  shining.  Plumbago  and  the  soapstone  are  both  sectile. 

Semi-transparent.  A  mineral  is  said  to  be  semi-transparent  when  an 
object  is  not  distinctly  seen  through  it. 

Slaty  structure.  This  term  is  synonymous  with  Schistose  structure, 
which  see. 

Solid  angle,  see  p. 

Specific  Gravity,  see  p.  35. 

Specular  Minerals  are  those  which  present  a  smooth  and  brilliant  sur- 
face which  reflects  light  ;  those  which  present  only  one  such 
surface,  which  is  not  crystalline,  are  commonly  termed  specular  : 
but  among  crystallized  minerals  we  have  specular  iron,  from  the 
brilliancy  of  its  planes.  Speculum,  in  Latin,  signifies  a  looking- 
glass. 

Specular  and  Splintery  Fracture  belong  to  imperfectly  crystalline 
minerals.  The  fractures  do  not  greatly  differ  :  they  are  both 
irregular  ;  the  spicular  is  shorter  and  more  pointed  than  the 
splintery. 

Square  Prism,  see  Prism. 

Stalartitiform.  (Stalagma)  in  the  Greek,  signifies  a  drop,  an  icicle. 
Stalactitiform  minerals  greatly  resemble  icicles  in  shape. 

Stalagmite.  A  stalagmite  is  the  deposition  afforded  by  the  water 
dropping  from  a  stalactite,  as  on  the  floor  of  a  cavern. 


EXPLANATION  OF  TERMS,  &C.  LXf 

Stellated.  When  the  crystals  or  fibres  of  a  mineral  diverge  all  round 
a  common  centre,  it  is  said  to  be  stellated  :  Stella,  in  Latin,  sig- 
nifies a  star. 

Strife  Striated.  The  slight  channels  occasionally  observable  on  the 
planes  of  crystallized  minerals  are  termed  striae,  and  the  crys- 
tals on  which  they  are  seen  are  said  to  be  striated.  The  striae 
are  commonly  parallel,  and  generally  indicate  the  direction  in 
which  crystals  may  be  cleaved.  Stria,  in  Latin,  signifies  a  groove, 
or  channel. 

Structure.  This  term  relates  to  the  internal  characters  of  minerals. 
Such  as  can  be  cleaved  into  regular  forms,  presenting  smooth, 
brilliant,  and  parallel  surfaces,  are  said  to  have  a  crystalline 
structure ;  but  when  the  surfaces  are  neither  smooth  nor  paral- 
lel, and  when,  on  the  contrary  they  are  rough  and  curved,  or 
undulating,  the  structure  is  said  to  be  imperfectly  crystalline  ; 
under  which  term  also  may  be  comprehended  all  fibrous  miner- 
als whether  massive  or  not.  All  such  as  have  no  determinate 
structure,  as  those  minerals  which  are  granular,  splintery,  &c. 
may  be  included  under  the  term  indefinite  or  promiscuous  struc- 
ture. See  page  xxv. 

Sulphate.  A  mineral  in  which  the  sulphuric  acid  is  combined  with 
a  base,  as  with  lime,  in  the  sulphate  of  lime. 

Sulphur.     See  p  280. 

Sulphuret.  A  metallic  mineral  in  which  the  metal  is  combined  with 
sulphur.  In  these  minerals  the  metal  is  not  in  the  state  of  an 
oxide,  but  in  the  metallic  state. 

Supernatant.  Such  minerals  as  are  lighter  than  water,  and  conse- 
quently swim  upon  it,  are  said  to  be  supernatant.  Supernato,  in 
Latin,  signifies  to  swim  or  float  upon. 

Tabular.  When  this  term  is  used  in  relation  to  structure  it  is  near- 
ly allied  to  the  schistose  or  slaty  Tafc;-rrrica,  and  roofing  slate, 
are  described  by  the  German  School,  as  possessing  a  tabular 
structure.  This  term  is  used  more  generally  to  express  the  ex- 
ternal form  of  such  crystals  as  are  nearly  flat :  these  are  termed 
tabular  crystals  ;  from  the  Latin,  tabula,  a  table  board. 

Terminal  plane,  see  p.  XLI. 

Toughness  relates  to  internal  texture.  Those  minerals  which  are 
bruised,  or  suffer  depression,  by  repeated  blows  in  the  attempt 
to  fracture  them,  are  esteemed  to  be  tough. 

Translucent.  A  mineral  through  which  an  object  cannot  be  seen, 
but  which  transmits  some  light,  is  termed  translucent.  Rock 
salt,  sometimes  quartz,  flint,  and  fluor,  &c.  are  translucent :  ma- 
ny minerals  are  translucent  on  the  edges,  as  common  marble,  &c. 

Transparent.  Those  minerals  are  transparent  through  which  an 
object  may  be  clearly  seen. 

Truncated,  See  p.  XLII. 

Tubercular.     A  mineral  whose  unevenness  of  surface  arises  from 
small  and  somewhat  round  elevations,  is  said  to  be  tubercular. 
Flint  is  sometimes  tubercular. 
H 


LXH  EXPLANATION  OF  TERMS,  &C. 

Tuberous  :  exhibiting  somewhat  circular  knobs,  or  elevations. 
Tubular,  see  Fistuliform. 

Vesicular.  A  mineral  is  said  to  be  vesicular,  when  it  has  small  and 
somewhat  round  cavities,  both  internally  and  externally  Lava, 
pumice,  limestone,  basalt,  &c  are  sometimes  vesicular  :  from 
the  Latin,  vesicula,  a  little  bladder. 

Vitreous ;  from  the  Latin  vitrcus,  glassy  ;  minerals  having  the  lustre 
of  glass,  are  said  to  possess  the  vitreous  lustre. 

'Unctuous.  The  term  relates  to  the  touch.  Pipe-clay  is  somewhat 
unctuous:  Fullers' earth  is  unctuous;  plumbago  and  soap*stone 
are  very  unctuous. — Phillip's  Mineralogy. 


A  TABLE, 

Exhibiting  the  angular  admeasurements  of  crystals  by  the  Reflecting 
Goniometer ,  according  to  Phillips. 

Actynolite.  Rhombic  Prism,  124°  30 ,  and  55°  30',  alternately. 

Adularia.  In  one  direction,  four  of  9 =)" ;  in  another,  four,  alter- 
nately of  ~»i)  25,  and  120  35  ;  and  in  another,  four,  alternate- 
ly of  67U  15',  and  112°  45.  These  are  obtained  with  great 
difficulty. 

Albite.  In  one  direction,  alternately  93  30 ,  and  80  30  ;  in  anoth- 
er 1 19  30',  and  60  30  :  and  in  another  direction,  1 15°  and  65°. 

Amblysonite.  Rhombic  Prism,  106  10,  and  73  50  alternately. 
(See  carbonate  of  Zinc.) 

Amethyst.  Primitive  Rhomboid,  94°  15,  and  85°  45'  alternately. 
(See  Quartz.) 

Analcime.  Primitive  Cube,  90°,  and  90°,  in  all  directions. 

Andalusite.  Rhombic  Prism,  88°  40',  and  91    20  alternately. 

Anthophyllite.  Rhombic  Prism,  125°,  and  55  \  alternately. 

Arfwedsonite.  Rhombic  prism,  123  55,  on  one  of  the  lateral 
planes.  (Hornblende,  124°  30 .) 

Arragonite.  Rhombic  prism,  116  5,  and  63°  55,  alternately. 

Arseniate  of  Copper.  Rhomboidal,  110  30,  and  69  30'  alter- 
nately. 

Arseniate  of  Copper.  Oblique  prismatic,  124°,  and  56°,  alter- 
nately. 

Arseni>tteof  Copper    Right  prismatic,  110°  5,  and  69    10'. 

Arseniate  of  Copper.  Martial.  Primitive  rhomb  TJO°  and  60°. 

Arsenic,  Sulphuret  of.  Rhombic  prism,  lateral  planes,  74'  15',  and 
105  45,  alternately. 

Arsenical  Iron.  Lateral  planes,  111°  12',  and  68  48',  alternately. 

Augite.  Primitive  rhomb,  87°  5  ,  and  92°  55  ,  alternately.  (See  Spec- 
ular Iron,  and  Bournonite.)  * 

Barytes,  Sulphate  of.  Primary  prism,  from  fractured  surfaces,  101° 
42  ,  and  78  18  ,  alternately. 

Bismuth,  Sulphuret  of.  After  cleavage  in  one  direction,  90°,  with  in- 
dications of  cleavage,  parallel  to  130  and  50°. 

Bitter-Sftar.  Primitive  rhomb,  106  15,  and  73  45'.  Also,  in  some 
specimens,  107  20,  and  72  40,  alternately.  (See  Calcareous 
Spar,  and  Cyanite  ) 

Borate  of  Lime.   Primitive  rhomb,  103°  40  and  76  20',  alternately. 

Borate  of  Soda.  Primitive  rhomb,  86  36  and  93'  30  ,  alternately. 

Bournonite.  Primitive  90°,  and  90  ,  or  a  rhomb  of  93  30  ,  and  86  30', 
alternately.  (See  Specular  Iron,  Augite,  and  Borate  of 
Lime.) 

Bronzite.  Cleavage  parallel  to  the  planes  of  a  rhomb  of  100°,  and  80°. 


LXIV  TABLE  OF  ANGLES. 

Calcareous  Spar.  Primary,  Obtuse  rhomboid  of  105°  5',  and  74°  55', 

alternately.     It  is  readily  obtained.    (See  Bitter-Spar.) 
Carbonate  of  Zinr.  Cleavage  parallel  to  planes  of  106  30',  and  73° 

30 ,  alternately. 

Carbonate  of  Iron.  Cleavage,  parallel  to  the  planes  of  107°,  and  73*. 
Carbonate  of  Lead.   Primary,  right  rhombic  prism  of  117  ,  and  63°. 
Carbonate  of  Magnesia,  and  Iron     Primitive   107  30,  and  72  30'. 

(See  Bitter-Spar.) 
Carbonate  of  Strontian.    Primitive,  right  rhombic  prism  of  117°  32', 

and  62  '28  ,  alternately.     (See  Carbonate  of  Lead.) 
Celestine.  Primitive,   right  rhombic  prism,  of  104,  and  763.      (See 

Calcareous  Spar.) 

Chabasie.  Obtuse  rhomboid,  94  46',  and  86°  14',  alternately. 
Chromate  of  Iron.  Octohedron,  two  adjacent  planes,  give  an  angle, 

of  109  28 .     (See  Arseniate  of  Iron. ) 
Chromate  of  Lead.  Oblique  prism,  of  93°  30',  and  86°  30'.     (See 

Chabasie.) 

Chrysolite.  Primitive,  a  cube. 

Cnnihtr.  Acute  rhomboid,  of  71°  48',  and  108°  12'. 
Cobalt,  Arsenical.  Primary,  a  cube. 
Copper,  Sulphuret  of.  Double  six-sided  pyramid,  the  incidence  of  an 

upper,  on  the  adjacent  plane  of  the  lower  pyramid,  being  about 

147  30. 

Copper,  Muriate  of.  Primitive,  a  right  rhombic  prism,  of  100°,  and  80° . 
Copper,  Phosphate  of.  Right  rhombic  prism  110',  and  70°. 
Corundum.   Primary,  rhomboid,  of  86  4  ,  and  93  56  . 
Cyanite.  Primary,  a  doubly  oblique  prism,  of  106°  15',  and  73°  45',  of 

the  terminal  plane  on  the  prism,  in  one  direction,  100'  50',  and 

79°  10  ,  and  in  another,  93°  15',  and  86  45  ,  alternately.     (See 

Chabasie,   Sillirnanite,    Clevelandite,  and  Bitter-Spar.) 

Diopside.  Primary,  oblique  rhombic  prism,  of  87°  5',  and  92°  55'  al- 
ternately, 

Egeran.  Angles  of  cleavage,  90°. 

Epidote.  Primary,  right  oblique  angled  prism  of  1 15°  30',  and  64°  30'. 

(See  Arragonite  ) 
Eudyalite.  Lateral  planes,  120°.  Summit,  with  the  lateral  planes,90°. 

Felspar.  See  Adularia. 

F'brolite.  Ri?ht  prism,  with  rhombic  bases,  of  100°  and  80°. 

Fettenstein.  Cleaves  parallel  to  all  the  planes,  and  diagonals  of  a  right 

rhombic  prism,  of  1 12  ,  and  68°. 
Fucite.  Cleaves  parallel  to  the  lateral  planes  of  a  rhombic  prism,  of 

87°,  and  93°. 

Galena.  Primary,  the  cube. 
Gehlenite.   Primary,  the  cube. 
Glauberite.  Primary,  rhombic  prism,  lateral  planes,  83° 20',  and  96n40', 

Terminal,  and  lateral  planes,  104   15  ,  and  75  45  ,  alternately. 

Hedenbergite.  Cleavage,  parallel  to  the  sides  of  a  rhombic  prism,  of 
124°  30  and  55°  30 ,  alternately. 


TABLE  OP  ANGLES.  LXV 

Hornblende.  Cleavage,  parallel  to  the  sides,  ofl24°  30',  and  55°  30', 

alternately.     (See  Actynolite,  and  Ariwedsonite  ) 
Humitt    Right  rhombic  prism,  of  120 ,  and  60  alternately. 
Hypersthene.  Rhombic  prism,  sides,  87',  and  93  ,  alternately. 

Idocrase.  Right  prism  with  square  bases,  of  90  and  90°. 

Indianite.  Cleaves  into  prisms  of  95  15  and  84  45  alternately,  (see 
Glauberite,  Quartz,  and  Tabular  spar  ) 

Iron,  Arsenical.  Cleaves  parallel  to  111"  12  and  68°  48' alternately. 

Iron  Pyrites.  Primary  a  cube,  to  all  the  parallel  planes  of  which  it 
cleaves. 

Iron  Pyrites,  White.  Primary,  a  right  rhombic  prism  of  106°  and 
73  .  Cleavage  parallel  to  all  its  planes,  (see  Cyanite  and  Car- 
bonate of  Iron.) 

Iron,  Specular  Oxide  of.  Primitive  acute  rhomboid  of  86°  10'  and  93° 
50.  (See  Augite,  Bournonite  and  Sillimanite.) 

Iron,  Carbonate  of.  Cleavage  parallel  to  all  the  planes  of  an  obtuse 
rhomboid  of  107°  and  73  .  (see  Iron  pyrites,  Siilimanite  and  Cy- 
anite.^ 

Jenite.  Primary,  a  rhomboid  of  111°  30'  and  68°  30'.  (see  Arsenite  of 
copper.; 

Killinite,  Cleavage  parallel  to  the  planes  of  a  rhombic  prism  of  135° 
and  45°. 

Latrobite.  Cleavage  in  three  directions  parallel  to  all  the  planes  of  a 
doubly  oblique  prism,  viz.  in  one  direction  98J  30  and  81°  30',  in 
another  91°  and  89,  and  in  the  third  93  30  and  86°  30'.  (see 
Specular  Iron,  and  Hypersthene.; 

Laumonite.  Oblique  rhombic  prism,  inclination  of  lateral  planes  113° 
30  ;  inclination  of  terminal,  with  the  lateral  planes  86°  15'. 

Lead,  Sulphato-carbonate  of.  Primary,  oblique  prism  of  120°  45'  and 
59  15 . 

Lead,  Sulphato-tri -carbonate  of.  Primary,  an  acute  rhomboid  of  72* 
30  and  107  30.  ('see  Carbonate  of  Iron.; 

Lead,  Cupreous  sulphate-carbonate  of.  Primary,  a  right  rhombic 
prism  of  95°  and  85°. 

Lead,  Sulphate  of.  Primary,  a  right  rhombic  prism  of  103°  42'  and 
7«  18. 

Lead,  Molybdate  of.  Cleavage  parallel  to  an  octohedron  with  a  square 
base  ;  angle  of  two  opposite  terminal  planes  49°  45  ;  of  the  up- 
per and  lower  terminal  planes  130  15  . 

Ligurite.  Oblique  rhombic  prism  of  140°  and  40'  alternately. 

Manganese,  Grey  oxide  of.  Cleaves  parallel  to  the  planes  of  a  rhom- 
bic prism  of  100  and  80 

Mica.  Primary,  oblique  rhombic  prism  of  120°  and  60°. 
Muriate  of  Soda.  Primary  a  cube. 


LXV1  TABLE  OF    ANGLES. 

Orpiment.  Primary,  a  right  rhombic  prism  of  100°  and  80°. 

Pargasite.  Cleavage  parallel  to  the  lateral  planes  of  a  rhombic  prism 
of  124  30  aiid  55  30  being  the  same  with  Actinolite  and  Horn- 
blende. 

Poly  halite.  Cleavage,  parallel  to  all  the  planes  of  the  cube,  affording 
brilliant  faces  of  90  in  every  direction. 

Prehnite    Primary  100  and  80°. 

Pyroxene,  see  Augite. 

Quartz.  Primary  rhomboid  94°  15'  and  85°  45'. 

Realgar.  Cleaves  parallel  to  all  the  planes  of  an  oblique  rhombic 
prism,  whose  lateral  planes  are  74   15  and  105J  45  alternately. 
Rhomb  Spar.  See  Bitter  spar. 
Ruby,  Oriental,  Primary,  acute  rhomboid  of  93°  56  and  86°  4'. 

Sahlite.  Primary  rhomb  52°  55'  and  87°  5  ;  the  same  as  Augite. 

Sapphire.  The  same  as  Ruby. 

Stlenite.  Primary,  a  right  oblique   angled  prism,  of  which  the  bases 

are  oblique  angled  parallelograms  of  113  8  and  66  52. 
Silver.  Flexible  Sulphuret  of.    Oblique  angled  prism  of  125  and  55° 

alternately,  on  the  lateral  planes. 

Silver,  Red.   Primary,  obtuse  rhomboid,  of  108°  30'  and  71°  30'. 
Sphene    Primary,  an  oblique  rhombic  prism,  lateral  angles  133°  30' 

and  46  30,  alternately. 

Spinellme.    Primary,  the  rhombic  dodecahedron,  of  90°  and  120°. 
Spodumene.  Cleavage  parallel  to  the  planes  and  shorter  diagonal  of  a 

rhombic  prism  of  100'  and  80° ;  the  same  as  Prehnite. 
S-autrotide.  Primary,  a  right  rhombic  prism  of  129  20  and  50°  40'. 
S  tlphute  ofStrontian,  see  Celestine. 
Sulphuret  of  Antimony.  Primary,  right  rhombic  prism  of  88°  30'  and 

91"  30'  alternately. 

Tabular  Spar.  Cleaves  into  prisms  of  95°  20'  and  84°  40'  alternately. 
(See  Cupreous  sulphuret  of  Lead,  Indianite,  and  Quartz.) 

Thomtonite.  Cleaves  parallel  to  the  lateral  planes  of  90°. 

Tin,  Oxide  of.  Primary,  an  obtuse  octohedron  with  a  square  base,  the 
angle  over  the  apex  being  112°  10'  and  a  plane  of  one  pyramid,  on 
the  adjoining  plane  of  the  other  67°  50'. 

Tungstate  of  Lime.  The  angle  formed  by  the  meeting  of  a  plane  of 
the  upper,  with  the  adjoining  plane  of  the  lower  pyramid  128 '  40'. 

Topaz.  Primary,  a  right  rhombic  prism  of  124"  22'  and  55'  38  alter- 
nately. 

Tourmaline.  Primary,  an  obtuse  rhomboid  of  133°  30'  and  46°  10'  al- 
ternately. 

Wavellitr.  Cleavage  parallel  to  both  sides  of  a  prism  of  122°  15'  and 
57  45'. 

Yenite,  see  Jenite. 


TABLE  OF  ANGLES.  LXVII 

Zinc,  Red  oxide  of.  Cleaves  parallel  to  the  planes  of  a  six-sided  prism, 
each  lateral  plane  on  the  adjoining  one  being  120°  and  the  ter- 
minal on  the  lateral  plane  90". 

Zinc,  Silicious  oxide  of  Primary,  a  right  rhombic  prism  of  102  30' 
and  77  80  alternately. 

Zinc,  Carbonate  of.  Cleavage  parallel  to  all  the  planes  of  a  rhomboid 
of  about  106°  30' and  73°  30.  (See  Amblygonite,  Bitter  spar 
and  Carbonate  of  Iron.) 

Zircon.  Primary,  an  obtuse  octohedron  of  95°  40  and  84  20'.  (see 
Glauberite,  Indianite,  Quartz.  &,c.) 

Zoisite,  Cleaves  parallel  to  the  sides  of  a  rhombic  prism  of  120"  and  60°. 


TABULAR  ARRANGEMENT. 

The  following  Table  shews,  at  one  view,  the  order  in  which  the 
Minerals  are  arranged  for  description.  The  numbers  on  the  right, 
refer  to  the  pages  where  the  mineral  is  described. 

The  Species  begin  with  Roman  capitals  ;  the  Sub-species,  are 
in  Italics  ;  and  the  varieties  are  in  small  type. 


EARTHY  MINERALS. 

This  Class  includes  such  minerals  as  are  composed  of  one  or  more 
earths.  Some  of  them,  contain,  also,  small  portions  of  one,  or  more, 
metallic  oxides,  which  are  mostly  considered  as  accidental  ingredi- 


ents. 

page 

QUARTZ.         page 
Species  1.     Common  Quartz     1 
Sub-sp.  1.      Crystallized            " 

1  a  vat  urine 

Species  8. 
9. 
10. 

2  chrysoprase 
Carnelian 
Agate 
Jasper. 

17 

u 

18 
19 

2  prase 

« 

1  common 

tt 

3  miiky 

4 

2  ribbon 

20 

4  rose 

a 

3  Egyptian 

(C 

5  amethyst 

(t 

4  porcelain 

tt 

6  citrine 

5 

5  ruin 

te 

7  brown 

<( 

11. 

Hornstone 

21 

8  ferruginous 

tt 

12. 

Silicious  Sinter 

«( 

10  radiated 
11  stalactical 
12  pseudomorphous 
13  fetid 

a 
« 
ft 
7 

13 

1  opaline 
2  pearl 
3  .'..ichaelite 

Karpholite 

tt 

22 

ft 

ti 

14  spongiform 

K 

14 

Jeffersonite 

23 

15  granular 
16  smoky 
2.     Hyalite 

(( 
(( 

s 

15 

16 

Jenite 
Garnet 

u 
24 

ec 

2.     Cats-eye 

It 

1  precious 
2  common 

25 

3.     Opal 

9 

3  pyrope 

26 

1  precious 

tt 

4  pycnite 

tt 

2  fire 

10 

5  grossular 

te 

3  common 

« 

6  aplome 

27 

4  semi 

« 

7  manganesian 

te 

5  wood 

11 

8  melanite 

tt 

6  ferruginous 
7  hydrophane 

8  menilite 

ti 

a 

12 

9  allochroite 
10  colophonite 
11  topazolite 

28 

tt 

tt 

4       Flint 

tt 

12  succinite 

29 

.        JC  11  III* 

5.     Chalcedony 

1  Common  Chalce- 
dony 

13 

ft 

17 

18 

Cinnamon  Stone 

1  romanzovite 

Vesuvian 

<c 

ft 
tt 

2  onyx 

14 

1  eg  e  ran 

30 

3  cacholong 

15 

19 

Gehlenite 

31 

4  sard 

ft 

20 

Prehnite 

it 

6.     Sardonyx 

tt 

1  Kaupholite 

32 

7.     Heliaotrope 

16 

21 

Stilbite 

it 

1  plasma 

17 

22 

Heulandite 

33 

TABULAR  ARRANGEMENT. 


LX1X 


page. 

page. 

Species  23 

Zeolite 

1  mesolite 

33 

34 

1  crystallized 
2  fibrous 

59 

cc 

2  natrolite 

3  bladed 

60 

24 

3  mealy 
4  Thomsonite 
Wernerite 

M 

35 

Species  41 

4  pyrallolite 
5  calamite 

Actynolite 

cc 
cc 

61 

25 

1  scopolite 
Zoisite 

36 

1  bladed 
2  acicular 
3  glassy 

cc 

62 
tt 

26 

Epidote 

37 

4  asbestiform 

ft 

1  mangaaesian 

38 

5  massive 

tt 

27 

2  granular 
Axinite 

tt 

tt 

42 
43 

Flypersthene 
Metalloidal  Dial- 

tt 

28 

Indianite 

39 

lage 

63 

29 

Lapis  Lazuli 

11 

44 

o 

Green  Diallage 

(C 

30 

Dipyre 

41 

45 

As  best  us 

64 

31 

Laumonite 

tt 

1  amianthus 

cc 

32 

Clay-slate 

1  roof  slate 

it 

42 

2  common  asbestus 
3  mountain  cork 

65 

2  shining  argillite 
3  shale 

tt 
tt 

4  ligniform 
5  mountain  leather 

cc 

4  bituminous  shale 

43 

6  mountain  paper 

66 

5  novaculite 

46 

Sapphire 

ft 

6  alum  slate 

44 

1  blue 

ft 

7  adhesive  slate 

CC 

2  red 

tt 

8  polishing  slate 

45 

3  asteriated 

67 

33 

9  graphic  slate 

Silicious  slate 

M 

ft 

47 

Corundum 
1  emery 

68 

cc 

84 

1  basinite 
Clay 
1  indurated 
2  iron 

46 

(C 

48 
49 
50 

Diaspora 
Turquoise 
Gibbsite 

09 

It 

70 

3  Wacke 

ft 

51 

Fibrolite 

tt 

4  rotten  stone 

47 

52 

Finite 

71 

5  porcelain 
6  ithomarge 
7  fuller's  earth 

a 

48 
tt 

53 

Cyanite 

1  rhetizite 

(C 

72 

8  Tripoli 

49 

54 

Staurotide 

u 

9  bole 
10  cimoline 
11  mountain  meal 

cc 

50 

55 

56 

Automollite 
Topaz 

73 
74 

12  pipe  clay 
13  potter's  clay 

cc 

57 

1  pyrophysalite 
Pyenite 

75 
tt 

35 
36 

14  loam 
15  reddle 
Fahlunite 
Harmotome 

51 

52 

C( 

58 
59 

60 

Chrysoberyl 
Spinelle 
1  pleonaste 
Isolite 

tt 

76 

77 

78 

37 

Amianthoide 

53 

1  peliom 

cc 

1  byssolite 

tt 

2  Steinheilite 

ce 

38 

Augite 

tt 

61 

Lazulite 

1C 

1  diopside 
2  pyrgom 

54 
05 

62 

Chrysolite 
1  olivine 

79 

80 

3  sahlite 
4  baikalite 

tt 

63 

Bruceite 

(( 

5  coccolite 

56 

64 

Hydrate  of  Mag- 

6  white  coccolite 

H 

. 

QI 

39 

Hornblende 

1  slate 

tt 

57 

65 

Serpentine 

OJL 

(C 

1  precious 

cc 

40 

3  pa  IT  asite 

Tremolite 

58 
59 
J 

66 

2  common 
Zircon 
1  hyacinth 

82 
83 

$4 

LXX 


TABULAR  ARRANGEMENT. 


2  jargoon  85 

Species  67  Euclase  " 

68  Beryl  86 


Species  69  Emerald 
70  Gadonolite 


paee. 

87 


II. 


ACIDIFEROUS  EARTHY  MINERALS. 

This  Class  includes  such  minerals  as  consist  of  an  earth  combined 
with  an  add;  some  of  them  contain  small  portions  of  metal,  .as  iron, 
manganese,  and  per  haps  chrome. 


Genus  1.  LIME. 

pa?p 

Species  1  Carbonate  of  Lime  89 

1  calcareous  spar        «• 

2  argentine  90 

3  satin  spar  " 

4  agaric  mineral       91 

5  a'phrite  92 
Subsp.  1  Stalactical   Carbo~ 

nate  of  Lime 

1  stalactite  " 

2  stalagmite  " 

2  Granular  Lime- 

stone 93 

3  Common  Limestone  95 

1  fetid  carbonate  of 

lime  98 

2  bituminous   lime- 

stone " 

3  argillo-ferruglnous 

limestone 

4  Concret  d  Carbo- 

nate of  Lime       99 

1  Oolite  " 

2  peastone  " 

5  Chalk  100 

6  Marie 

1  separia 

2  bituminous  101 

7  Madreporite 

S   Calcareous  Tufa       " 

2  Arraoronite  102 

3  Magnesian  Carbo- 

nate of  Lime      103 

1  dolomite 

2  bitter  spar  104 

3  meimite 

4  gurhofian 

5  magneslan  lime- 
stone 105 

•   ferro-magnesiaa      " 


page- 
Species  4  Silicious  Carbonate 

+    of  Lime  106 

1  tabular  spar  *' 

2  Chelmsfordite       107 

5  Phosphate  of  Lime    " 

1  apatite  «« 

2  asparagus  stone     108 

3  massive  phosphate 

of  109 

4  silicious  phosphate 

of  « 

6  Fluate  of  Lime          " 

1  nodular  110 

2  compact  111 

3  chloropha»>e  tf 

7  Sulphate  of  Lime  112 

1  crystallized  «< 

2  fibrous  «« 

3  granular  113 

4  compact  <f 

5  earthy  114 

6  snowy  " 

7  plaster  of  Paris          " 

8  Anhydrous  Gyp- 

sum 115 

1  muriacite 

2  granular  116 

3  fibrous  «« 

4  compact  tf 

5  silicious 

9  Nitrate  of  Lime     117 

10  Silicious  Borate 
of  Lime 

1  botryolite  «« 

1 1  Arseniate  of  Lime  1 1 8 
Genus  2  ALUMINE. 

1  Sub  sulphate  of  Al- 

umine 

1  silicious  119 

2  Sub-phosphate   of 

Alumine  " 


TABULAR  ARRANGEMENT, 


LXXI 


120 


page 

Genu-o  3.  MAGNESIA. 
Species  1  Carbonate  of  Mag- 
nesia 

1  crystallized 

2  compact  " 

3  ear  thy  121 

4  pulverulent  " 

2  Sulphate  ot  Mag- 

nesia 

3  Borate  of  Magnesia  " 
Genus  4.  BARYTES. 

1  Carbonate  ot  Ba- 

rytes  122 

2  Sulphate    of   Ba- 

rytes  123 

i  lamellar  124 


pn?e. 

2  columnar  124 
Sfitrous  " 

4  radiated  125 

5  granular 

6  compact  " 

7  earthy 

Subsp.  9    Fetid  Sulphate  of 

Barytes 

Genus  5  STRONTIAN. 
Species  1  Carbonate  of  Stron- 

tian  126 

2  Barytic  Carbonate 

of  Stroii  tia  n       127 

3  Sulpbate  of  Stron- 

tian 

1  fibrous  12* 

2  foliated  " 


III. 


ACIDIFEROUS  ALKALINE  MINERALS. 

This  Class  includes  such  minerals  as  consist  chitfy  of  an  alkali,  unit- 
ed with  an  acid.  Some  of  the  species  contain  foreign  matter,  ren- 
dering  them  very  impure. 


Genus  1.  POTASH. 


page. 
130 


Species  1  Nitrate  of  Potash 
Genus 2    SODA. 

1  Carbonate  of  Soda  131 

2  Sulphate  of  Soda    132 
3Nittateot  Soda 

4  Borate  of  Soda        " 


pa^e. 

Species  5  Muriate  of  Soda     133 
Genus  3.  AMMONIA. 

1  Sulphate  of  Ammo- 

nia 135 

2  Muriate  of  Ammo- 

nia « 


CLdSS  IV. 
ACIDIFEROUS  A  LK  A  LINO-EARTHY 


The  minerals  arranged  under  this  Class,  contain  an  alkali,  and  an 
earth  andtjitd  by  the  sulphuric,  orftuoric  acids,  forming  salts  of 

MS*l»*JMf0       /»/lXlf'*lAf  /    /*   'J»O 


various  characters. 

page. 
Species  1    Sulphate  of  Alu- 

mine  and  i  otash        137 

2  Alum-Stone  138 

3  Alkaline  Fluate  of 

Lime  " 


page. 
Species  4  Amblygonite          139 

5  Ann.  Sulph.  Soda 

and  Lime  " 

6  Polyhaliite 


LXX11 


TABULAR  ARRANGEMENT. 


r. 

ATJKAT,TNO-KARTI1Y  MINERALS. 

The  minerals  belonging  to  this  Class,  consist  of  earths,  in  various 
proportions  ;  including,  generally,  in  their  composition,  one  or  more 
of  the  alkalies. 


r 
Species  1   Mica 

1  laminated 

u\ 

142 

5  white 
6  rubellite 

P8158 

H 

2  Leucite 

Species  15  Sodalite 

159 

3  Andalusite 

143 

16  Spinellane 

11 

4  Bucholzite 

<( 

17  Lvthrodes 

" 

5  Ichthyophthalmite 

1  albin 

144 

18  Killinite 
19  Eudyalite 

160 

H 

6  Nacrite 

" 

20  Sommite 

" 

7  Hauyne 

ii 

21  Analcime 

161 

8  Obsidian 
1  pearstone 

145 

146 

1  sarc-  lite 

22  Clinkstone 

162 

9  Gieseckite 

" 

23  Pitchstone 

u 

10  Felspar 

" 

24  Lava 

163 

1  common 

147 

25  Pumice 

tt 

2  adularia 
3  g  assy 
4  Labrador 
5  green 
6  compact 
7  fetid 

148 
149 

H 

150 

(C 

26  Basalt 
1  columnar 
2  globular 
27  Jade 

1  axe-stone 

164 

tt 

165 
166 

8  anorthite 

151 

2    aussurite 

167 

11  Talc 

" 

28  Chabaise 

" 

1  indurated 

152 

1  messoline 

163 

12  Steatite 

" 

29  Gabrnnite 

" 

1  potstone 
2  agalmatolite 

153 

K 

30  Lepidolite 
1  crystallized 

c 
169 

13  Chlorite 

154 

31  Petalite 

1  crystallized 
2  common 

M 

32  Spodumene 

170 

3  slate 

tt 

33  Meionite 

it 

4  green  earth 

« 

34  Achmite 

171 

14  Tourmaline 

156 

35  Clevelandite 

« 

1  black 

<* 

1  albite 

172 

2  green 

157 

36  Sillimanite 

it 

3  yellow 

4  indicolite 

158 

VI. 

NATIVE  METALS  AND  METALIFEROUS 
MINERALS. 

This  Class  includes  the  native  metals,   together  with  the  ores,  or  me- 
tals combined  with  other  substances,  as  oxygen,  sulphur,  or  acids. 

Genus  2.  GOLD. 


Genus  1  PLATINA. 
Species  1  Native  Platina 


174 


Species  1  Native  Gold 


page. 

174 


I 


TABULAR  ARRANGEMENT. 


LXXIII 


paee. 
1  ar  gentiform  176 

Genus  3.  MERCURY. 
Species  1  Native  Mercury      177 

2  Native  Amalgam      " 

3  Sulphuret  of  Mer- 

cury 

1  hepatic  cinnabar    178 

2  fibrous 

4  Muriate  of  Mercu- 

ry 179 

Genus  4    SILVER. 

1  Native  Silver  " 

1  aurifirous  180 

2  Antimonial  Si'ver    " 

3  Arsenico-Antimo- 

nial  Silver          181 

4  Bismuthic  Silver      " 

5  Sulphuret  of  Silver  182 

1  black 

2  flexib  e  " 

3  brittle  « 

6  Sulphuretted  Anti- 

monial Silver     183 

7  Sulphuret  of  Silver 

and  Copper       184 

8  Eucairite  " 

9  Carbonate  of  Silver  " 

10  Muriate  of  Silver  185 

11  Argillaceous  Mu- 

riate of  Silver      " 
Genus  5.  COPPER. 

1  Native  Copper       186 

2  Sulphuret  of  Cop- 

per 187 

1  pseudo-morphous   " 

2  variegated  " 

3  black  copper         188 

3  Ferruginous  Sul- 

phuret of  Copper  " 
1  purple  copper        " 

4  Grey  Copper          189 

1  arsenical  190 

2  antimonial  " 

5  Tennantite 

1  white  copper          « 

6  Red  Oxk<e  oi  Cop- 

per 191 

1  capillary  192 

2  massive  " 

3  foliated  « 

4  ferruginous  " 

7  Blue  Carbonate  of 

Copper  " 


page. 
Species  8    Green   Carbonate 

of  Copper  193 

1  fibrous  malachite    " 

2  compact    mala- 

chite 194 

9  Chrysocolla 

10  Dioptase  195 

1 1  Muriate  of  Copper  " 

12  Sulphate  of  Cop- 

per 196 

13  Phosphate  of  Cop- 

per 

14  Hydrous   Phos- 

phate of  Copper  197 

15  Arseniate  of  Cop- 

per 

1  octohedral  ce 

2  rhomboidal  198 

3  oblique  prismatic  199 

4  right  prismatic  " 

5  fibrous  " 

16  Martial  Arseniate 

of  Copper  200 

Genus  6.  LEAD. 

1  Native  Lead  201 

2  Sulphuret  of  Lead    " 

1  granular  202 

2  com  pact  " 

3  specular  « 

4  antimonial  203 

3  Native  Red  Oxide 

of  Lead,  204 

1  aluminous  " 

4  Carbonate  of  Lead    " 

1  acicular  205 

2  earthy  " 

5  Sulphate  of  Lead   206 

1  sulphate-carbonate  " 

2  cupreous-sulphato- 
carbonate  207 

3  sulphato-tri-carbo- 
nate  « 

4  cupreous  sulphate  " 

6  Murio-Carbonate  of 

Lead  " 

7  Phosphate  of  Lead  208 

1  arseniated  209 

2  blue  lead  " 

8  ArseuiateofLead     " 

1  reniform  210 

9Molybdateof  Lead    " 
10ChromateofLead2H 

1  cupreous  212 


K 


LXX1V 


TABULAR  ARRANGEMENT. 


Genus  7.  BISMUTH. 


pa  are. 

212 


page. 
232 


Species  1  Native  Bismuth 

2  Sulphuret  of  Bis- 

muth 213 

1  cupreous 

2  plumbo-cupreous    " 

3  Oxide  of  Bismuth  214 
Genus  8    NICKEL. 

1  Native  Nickel          " 

2  Arsenical  Nickel   215 

3  Arseniate  of  Nickel  " 

4  Pimelite 

Genus  9.  COBALT 

1  Arsenical  Cobalt    216 

1  grey  217 

2  Sulphuret  of  Cobalt 

and  Copper       218 

3  Earthy  Cobalt 

4  Arseniate  of  Co- 

balt 

5  Sulphate  of  Cobalt  219 

Genus  10.  IRON. 

1  Native  Iron 

I  meteoric  220 

2  Arsenical  Iron       221 

1  argentiferous  " 

3  Sulphuret  oflron     " 

1  radiated  222 

2  hepatic  223 

4  Magnetic  Sulphuret 

oflron 

5  Magnetic  Oxide  of 

Iron  224 

1  earthy  225 

2  sandy  " 

6  Specular  Oxide  of 

Iron  226 

1  micaceous  oxide    227 

7  Brown  O^ide    of 

Iron 

1  fibrous  " 

2  compact  228 

3  scaly  " 

4  ochery  229 

5  umber  " 

8  Red  Oxide  of  Iron  'k 

1  fibrous  " 

2  compact  2^0 

3  scaly  " 

4  ochery  «« 
d  Argillaceous  Oxide 

Oflron  231 

1  co  umnar  " 

2  pisiform 


233 

1C 


234 


3  lenticular 

4  noduiar 

5  jaspery 

6  compact 

7  furous 

Species  10  Bog  Iron-Ore, 

1  friaUe 

2  compact 

11  Franklimte 

12  HydrousOxide  oflron  " 

1  Cronstedite 

13  Hydrous   Sulphuric 

Oxide  oflron          235 

14  Native  Muriate  of 

Iron 

15  Carbonate  of  Iron     236 

16  Phosphate  of  Iron 

1  earthy  237 

17  Sulphate  of  Iron        238 

18  Chromateoflron 

19  *  rseniate  of  Iron      239 

20  Oxalate  of  Iron         240 
Genus  11.  URANIUM. 

1  Black  Oxide  of  Urani- 

um 

2  Green  Oxide  of  Ura- 

nium 241 

1  earthy  242 

Genus  12.  TIN. 

1  Oxide  of     in  242 

1  fibrous  244 

2  toad's  eye  wood  tin   " 

3  columbiferous 

2  Sulphuret  of  Tin  and 

Copper 

Genus  13.  ZINC. 

1  Sulphuret  of  Zinc       245 

1  phosphorescent         246 

2  fibrous  247 

3  mammillated 

4  cadmiferous 

5  black 

2  Red  Oxide  of  Zinc     248 
3SiliciousOxideofZinc  " 

4  Carbonate  of  Zinc       249 

1  crystallized  " 

2  compact  250 

3  pseudo-morphous      " 

4  earthy 

5  cupreous 

5  Sulphate  of  Zinc         251 
Genus  14.  MANGANESE 
1  Black  Oxide  of  Man- 
ganese 252 


TABULAR  ARRANGEMENT. 


LXXV 


1  radiated  and  fibrous  252 

2  com  pact  253 

3  earthy  " 

4  silvery  ** 

Species  2  Silicious  Oxide  of 

Manganese  254 

3  Carbonate  of  Manga- 

nese 

1  allagite  255 

2  rhodonite 

3  horn  mangran  «* 

4  Sulphuret  of  Manga- 

nese 

5  Phosphate  of  Manga- 

nese 256 

6  Cupreous  Manganese    " 
Germs  15  MOLYBDENA 

1  Sulphuret  of  Molybde- 

na  257 

2  Oxide  of  Molybdena     " 
Genus  16    ANTIMONY. 

1  Nitive  Antimony        253 

2  Sulphuret  of  Antimo- 

ny 259 

1  radiated 

2  plumose 
3c..mpact  " 

4  nickeliferous  260 

3  Sulphuretted  Oxide  of 

Antimony 

4  Oxide  of  Antimony     261 
Genus  1 7.  CHROME. 

1  Oxide  of  Chrome  " 

Genus  18    ARSENIC. 

1  Native  Arsenic  262 

2  Oxide  of  Arsenic         263 

3  Sulphuret  of  Arsenic     " 

1  red 

2  yellow  '264 

Genus  19    COLUMBIUM. 
1  Ferruginous  Oxide  of 
Columbium  265 


page. 

Species  2  Ittrious  Oxide  of  Co- 
lumbia in  265 

1  black  166 

2  yellow  « 

Genus  20.  CERIUM. 

1  Silicious  Oxide  ol' Ce- 

rium 267 

2  Allanite  " 

1  Orthite  « 

3  Ittno  Calcareous  Ox- 

ide of  Cerium          268 

4  Fluate  of  Cerium        263 

1  neutral  fluate  « 

2  sub-fluate  " 

3  fluate  of  ittria  and 

cerium  269 

Genus  21    TITANIUM. 

1  Oxide  of  Titanium        " 

1  red  « 

2  octohedral  271 

2  Ferruginous  Oxide  of 

Titanium  " 

1  nigrine  272 

2  raenaccanite  " 

3  isrene  «« 

3  Silico-Calcareous  Ox- 

ide of  Titanium      273 

4  Crichtonite  274 
Genus  22.  TELLURIUM. 
1  Native  Tellurium        275 

1  auro-argenfiferous     " 

2  auro-plumbiferous     tf 

Genus  23.  TUNGSTEN. 

1  Oxide  of  Tungsten     276 

2  Tuugstate  of  Iron         <{ 

3  Calcareous  Oxide  of 

Tun  fsten  '277 

Genus  24.  PALLADIUM. 
1  Native  Palladium  278 
Genus  25.  IRIDIUM  279 

Genus  26.  CADMIUM  « 

Genus 27.  SELENIUM" 


CL^SS  VU. 
COMBUSTIBLE  MINERALS. 

The  substances  belonging  to  this  Class,  combine  with  oxygen,  under 
ordinary,  t  ircumstances  not  requiring  with  an  exception  or  two,  a 
high  temperature  ,or  the  aid  of  pure  oxygen,  to  effect  their  combustion. 


Species  1  Native  Sulphur       280  '  Species  2  Volcanic  Sulphur 


page. 


LXXVI 


TABULAR  ARRANGEMENT, 


Species  3  Diamond 

4  Mineral  Charcoal 

5  Carburet  of  Iron 

6  Anthracite 

1  slaty 

2  massive 

3  columnar 

7  Mineral  Oil 

1  naptha 

2  petro  eum 

8  Bitumen 

1  earthy 

2  elastic 

3  compact 

9  Mineral  Coal 


281 

285 

286 

287 
" 
" 

288 

289 
290 


2PO 

291 


1  black  coal 

291 

2  cannel  coal 

292 

10  Lignite 

293 

1  brittle 

294 

2  fibrcus 

ft 

3  earthy 

295 

11  Jet 

295 

J2Dysodile 

296 

13  Amber 

" 

14  Hatchetine 

297 

15Mellite 

it 

16  Retinasphlt 

298 

17  Fossil  Copal 

(C 

CLASS  I. 
EARTHY  MINERALS, 


This  Class  includes  such  minerals  as  are  composed  of  one  or  more 
earths.  Some  of  them  also  contain  small  portions  of  one  or  more 
metallic  oxides,  which  however  are  not  considered  as  essential  ingre- 
dients. 

QUARTZ. 

Pure  quartz,  as  it  exists  in  transparent  rock-crystal,  is  composed 
of  silex  or  silicious  earth,  with  two  or  three  per  cent  of  water. 

Silex  is  perfectly  white,  without  either  taste  or  smell.  It  feels 
harsh  ;  is  insoluble  in  any  of  the  mineral  acids  ;  infusible  alone,  but 
melts  and  forms  glass  with  potash.  It  is  a  compound  body,  and  ac- 
cording to  Berzelius,  is  composed  of  about  50  per  cent  of  oxygen, 
united  to  an  equal  proportion  of  its  base,  called  SILICIUM. 

Species  1.— COMMON  QUARTZ. 

Quartz  Hyalin,  H.     Common  Quartz,  C.     Crystallized  Quartz,  P. 
Rhomboidal  Quartz,  J.     Rhombohedral  Quartz,  M. 

External  Characters. — Colors,  white,  yellowish,  red, 
bluish,  brown,  and  greenish,  or  green,  or  transparent 
and  colorless  ;  occurs  massive  ;  in  concretions,  with  a 
diverging  and  circular  structure  ;  in  confused  crystal- 
line masses,  of  which  the  structure  is  not  visible  :  also 
in  crystals  ;  form,  the  six-sided  prism,  terminated  by 
six-sided  pyramids  :  also  the  dodecahedron,  or  double 
six-sided  pyramid.  Both  forms  subject  to  a  great  va- 
riety of  modifications  ;  scratches  glass ;  sp  gr.  2.63. 

Chemical  Characters. — Infusible.  Two  pieces  rubbed  together  give 
a  peculiar  smell,  like  that  of  the  electric  fluid  ;  insoluble  in  the  acids, 
except  the  fluoric. 

Composition. — Silex,  nearly  pure. — Berzelius. 

Sub-species  \.-CRYST4LLIZED  QUARTZ. 

Quartz  Hyalin,  H.    Crystallized  Quartz,  P.     Rhomboidal  Quartz,  J. 
Common  Quartz,  C.     Rhombohedral  Quartz,  M. 

General  characters,  as  in  the  species.    Common 
1 


2  COMMON    QUARTZ. 

form  of  the  crystals,  six-sided  prisms,  terminated  by 
six-sided  pyramids.     Primitive  form,  the  rhomboid. 


Fig.  1.  The  six-sided  prism,  terminated  by  six-sided  pyramids, 

Fig.  2.  The  dodecahedron,  or  two  six-sided  pyramids,  joined  base 
to  base,  without  the  intervention  of  the  prism. 

Fig.  3.  The  two  pyramids  separated  from  each  other  by  the  in- 
tervention of  a  very  short  six-sided  prism. 

Observation  1.  In  figure  1,  the  terminating  pyramids  may  be  con- 
sidered as  separated  several  inches  from  each  other,  by  the  interven- 
ing prism,  or  as  a  prism  several  inches  long,  terminated  by  pyramids. 

In  figure  3,  the  pyramids  are  merely  separated  by  the  short  prism 
interposed  between  their  bases.  This  form  however  is  still  consid- 
ered a  prism,  terminated  by  pyramids. 

In  figure  2,  the  prism  entirely  disappears,  and  the  two  terminal 
pyramids  join  base  to  base.  It  now  assumes  a  figure  of  twelve  sides, 
each  end  beginning  and  terminating  a  six-sided  pyramid. 

2.  These  crystals  are  subject  to  a  variety  of  modifications,  by  trun- 
cation, or  the  replacement  of  their  edges,  or  solid  angles,  by  plane 
faces  of  various  sizes  and  shapes. 

3.  Crystallized  quartz,  not  only  occurs  in  single  distinct  crystals, 
but  is  often  found  implanted  in  groups,  the  pyramids  of  which  only 
appear  distinct.     It  also  occurs  lining  the  cavities  of  other  minerals, 
or  incrusting  their  surfaces  in  small,  but  frequently  in  very  perfect 
crystals,  the  pyramidal  terminations  having  a   high  polish,   and  the 
specimen  appearing  as  if  it  was  studded  with  gems. 

duartz  occurs  in  primitive,  transitive,  and  secondary  rocks. 
Localities. — Madagascar,  Dauphiny,  the  Alps,  Cornwall,  &,c. 
Observation  1. — The  finest  crystals  come  from  Madagascar  and  the 
Alps. 

2.  Specimens  sometimes  contain  water,  air,  or  bitumen  enclosed. 
These  are  rare. 

3.  Crystals  often  enclose  clay,  titanite,  hornblende,  asbestus,  iron 
ore,  native  silver,  &c. 

4.  According  to  Pinkerton,  nature  produces  regular  rock  crystals 
in  the  vast  caverns  of  the  Alps,  of  such  enormous  size,  that  they 
weisjh  several  tons  each. 

V.  S.  The  localities  of  rock  crystal  are  very  numerous  in  this 
country.  A  few,  only  where  fine  specimens  are  found  can  be 
given 

Lake  George,  N.  Y.  The  crystals  are  perfectly  transparent  and 
sometimes  5  inches  long. — Sittiman.  Frederic  County,  Md.  The 


COMMON  QUARTZ.  3 

crystals  are  scattered  on  the  surfaceof  the  ground,  and  are  perfectly 
transparent. — Hayden.  Grafton,  Ver.  Remarkably  pure  and  trans- 
lucent.— Hall.  Newbury  District,  S.  C. ;  Abington  and  Plainfield. 
Mass. 

Uses. — It  is  much  used,  when  cut  and  polished,  as  an  inferior  gem. 
The  ancients  made  engravings  upon  it,  but  it  is  considered  too  soft 
for  this  purpose.  The  transparent  variety  is  polished  for  spectacles, 
and  has  the  advantage  of  not  being  easily  scratched. 

Obs.  1. — Crystals  may  be  colored  by  plunging  thenVwhile  hot  into 
a  vegetable,  or  metallic  solution  which  possesses  color,  but  they  are 
very  apt  to  crack  by  the  process. 

2. — Quartz  when  set,  may  be  distinguished  from  glass,  or  paste, 
by  touching  it.  with  a  fine  file,  which  will  cut  the  glass,  but  will  not 
scratch  the  quartz. 

The  varieties  of  this  species  are  numerous,  and  are  distinguished 
chiefly  by  their  colors. 

Variety  1. — AVANTURINE. 

Quartz  hyalin  avanturine,  H.     Avanturine,  P.      Avanturine 
Quartz,  C. 

External  Characters. — Colors,  brown,  yellow,  grey, 
bluish,  greenish,  or  white  ;  variegated  by  brilliant 
points  or  spangles,  of  a  golden  or  silver  color. 

Observation. — These  spangles  are  small  plates  of  mica,  of  various 
colors,  interspersed  through  the  mass.  It  is  employed  in  jewelry, 
and  some  specimens  are  exceedingly  beautiful.  It  is  sometimes  imi- 
tated by  art,  apparently,  by  sprinkling  recent  brass  filings  into  melted 
glass. 

Localities. — Cape  de  Gatte,  Spain.  This  is  of  the  finest  kind. 
Scotland,  England,  France,  &c. 

Uses. — It  is  much  esteemed  in  jewelry, 

Variety  2. — PRASE.     GREEN  QUARTZ. 
Quartz  hyalin  vert-obscur,  H.     Prasem,  A.     Prase,  P.  C. 
External  Characters. — Color,   dark  green ;  occurs  in 
crystals,  and  crystalline  masses ;  lustre  resinous,  or  vi- 
treous ;  translucent. 

Observation  1.  It  is  seldom  crystallized,  but  is  commonly  found 
in  pebbles,  or  masses  among  other  minerals. 

2.  It  seems  to  be  common  quartz  colored  with  actynolite,  or  per- 
haps epidote.  Sometimes  the  fibres  of  the  actynolite  are  distinct. 

Localities.  Saxony  in  a  metallic  bed.  Scotland  with  actynolite. 
Moravia,  England,  &c. 

U.  S.  On  Lake  Superior.  Near  Baltimore,  and  on  the  west  side  of 
Blue  Ridge,  Md.  Milton,  Brighton,  and  West  Cambridge,  Mass. 

Use.  It  is  much  esteemed  as  an  ornamental  stone,  and  is  cut  and 
polished  for  jewelry. 


COMMON  QUARTZ. 

Variety  3. — MILKY  QUARTZ. 
Quartz  hyalin  laiteux,  H.     Milky  Quartz,  P. 
Ext.  Char. — Color,  milk-white  ;  occurs  massive  and 
in  crystals  ;  hardness,  that  of  quartz. 

Obs.  When  crystalized,  it  is  remarkable  that  the  crystals  are  more 
regular  in  their  forms  than  those  of  the  transparent  variety. — Phil- 
lips. 

Variety  4. — ROSE  QUARTZ. 
Quartz  hyalin  rose,  H.     Rose  Quartz,  P.  C. 
Ext.  Char. — Color,  rose-red,  which  in  small   pieces 
appears  pale.     Occurs  massive  and  in  crystals ;  trans- 
lucent, or  nearly  transparent. 

O&5.  It  fades,  when  exposed  for  a  long  time  to  the  light.  Its  color 
is  probably  owing  to  a  small  quantity  of  manganese. 

Local.  Bavaria,  Bohemia,  Finland,  Siberia. 

U.  S.  Southbury,  Con.  It  is  of  a  delicate  color,  and  forms  an  insu- 
lated mass. — Siliiman.  ;  also  at  East-Haddam  ;  Plainfield,  and  Wil- 
liamsburg,  Mass. ;  West-Chester,  N.  Y.  ;  Keene  and  Acworth, 
N.H. 

Use.  It  is  cut  and  polished  for  jewelry. 

Var.  5. AMETHYST.       VIOLET  QUARTZ. 

Quartz  hyalin  Violet,  H.     Violet  Quartz.    Amethyst,  P.     Ame- 
thyst, A.  P.  C. 

Ext.  Char. — Color,  violet  blue,  often  deep  and  pale 
in  the  same  specimen  ;  occurs  most  commonly  in  crys- 
tals ;  form  the  same  as  common  quartz  ;  crystals  gen- 
erally grouped,  the  pyramids  only  appearing  distinct; 
translucent ;  hardness,  that  of  quartz. 

Composition.  Silex  97.50 ;  alumine  0.25  ;  oxide  of  iron  0.50  ;  ox- 
ide of  manganese  0.25. — Rose. 

Obs.  I.  Crystals  of  amethyst  are  rarely  of  the  same  color  through- 
out. The  summits  only,  are  commonly  purple,  the  prism  being  color- 
less, or  tinged  greenish. 

2.  The  Orientals  were  very  partial  to  this  stone.     The  color,  they 
considered  that  of  new  wine,  and  the  Persians  believed  that  wine 
drank  from  a  cup  of  amethyst,  would  not  intoxicate.     The  oriental 
amethyst  is  a  sapphire,  but  it  is  probable  that  the  present  species  was 
the  one  so  highly  esteemed,  as  the  sapphire  is  found  only  in  small 
crystals. 

3.  Crystals  of  amethyst  very  rarely  occur  single,  but  are  faciculat- 
cd,  or  aggregated,  and  separate  into  irregular  columnar  pieces,  when 
struck. 

4    By  long  exposure  to  heat,  the  color  is  said  to  disappear. 
It  occurs  in  greenstone  and  porphyry,  often  forming  geodes.     It  fa 
also  sometimes  found  in  primitive  rocks. 


COMMON  QUARTZ.  5 

Uses.  It  is  highly  valued  as  an  ornamental  stone,  and  is  cut  and  set 
ibr  ear  rings,  necklaces,  watch  seals,  &c.  at  the  present  day. 

The  name  Amethyst  occurs  in  Scripture.  It  was  the  ninth  stone 
in  order,  on  the  Jewish  high  priest's  breast -plate  of  judgment,  with 
the  name  Issachar  engraved  thereon. 

Some  of  the  finest  engravings  are  on  this  stone.  Among  these  are 
the  bust  of  Trajan  in  the  Royal  Library  at  Paris  ;  and  more  recently 
done,  are  the  Apollo  Belvidere,  the  Farnese  Hercules,  and  the  group 
of  Laocoon,  by  Sirleti. 

Local  Cambay  in  India,  Siberia,  Spain,  Sweden,  Bohemia,  France, 
England,  &c. 

The  finest  are  brought  from  India,  Spain,  and  Siberia. 

U.  S.  Wallingford,  Farmington,  Berlin,  and  East-Haven,  Con. 
— Cleaveland.  Mount  Tom,  Mass,  in  beautiful  crystals. — Sittiman. 
Ludlow  and  Westminster,  Vt.  Pacquanack  Mountain,  and  at  Pat- 
terson, N.  J.  Chester  County,  Penn.  in  large  transparent  crys- 
tals.— Gilmor.  Hampton  Falls,  and  White  Hills,  N.  H.  Belcher- 
town,  Mass,  in  rounded  masses  sometimes  18  inches  in  diameter. — 
Shepard. 

Var.  6. — YELLOW  QUARTZ.     CITRINE. 
Quartz  hyalin  jaune,  H.     Yellow  Quartz,  P.  C. 

Ext.  Char. — Color,  wine,  honey,  or  straw  yellow; 
occurs  massive  and  in  crystals;  translucent ;  semi-trans- 
parent 

When  heated,  its  color  entirely  disappears  in  a  few  seconds. 

Obs.  It  is  called  false,  or  Bohemia  topaz. 

Local.  Carngorm,  Scot.  ;  Cornwall,  Eng. 

U.  S.  Southampton,  Mass.  Near  St.  Louis,  on  the  banks  of  the 
Mississippi  Blue  Ridge,  Penn.  Ac  worth,  N.  H. 

Distinctive  Characters. — The  topaz,  for  which  citrine  is  often 
mistaken,  scratches  quartz,  which  citrine  does  not. 

Var.  7. — BROWN  QUARTZ. 

Ext.  Char. — Color,  various  shades  of  brown ;  trans- 
lucent. 

Local.  Jetland  furnishes  the  finest  crystals  of  this  variety. 

Var.  8. FERRUGINOUS  QUARTZ. 

Quartz  rubigineux,  H.     Ferruginous  Quartz,   A.  P.   C.     Iron 

Flint,  J. 

Ext.  Char. — Color,  yellowish,  or  reddish,  sometimes 
blood,  or  brownish  red ;  occurs  massive  and  crystalliz- 
ed in  the  usual  form  of  quartz ;  translucent  or  opake ; 
fracture  small  conchoidal. 

Chem.  Char. — Some  specimens  become  magnetic  when  heated. 
Composition.  Silex  93.5  ;  oxide  of  iron  5.0  ;  water  1.0. — Buchotz. 


6  COMMON  QUARTZ. 

Obs.  1.  The  massive  variety  is  sometimes  crystallized  on  the  sur- 
face ;  and  sometimes  groups  of  common  white  crystals  terminate  in 
ferruginous  quartz,  the  summits  only  being  colored. 

2.  This  variety  of  quartz  is  colored  by  the  oxide  of  iron  :  hence 
when  the  yellowish  kinds  are  exposed  to  heat,  oxygen  is  absorbed, 
and  the  color  is  changed  to  red. 

Ferruginous  quartz  is  most  commonly  found  in  primitive  moun- 
tains, associated  with  the  ores  of  iron. 

Local.  Bohemia,  Spain,  England,  Scotland,  Siberia,  and  Saxony. 

U.  S.  Litchfield,  Con.  At  Mentzer's  Gap,  Penn.  in  loose  masses 
terminated  at  each  extremity  by  three  faces  — Hay  den. 

Var.  9.     IRISED  QUARTZ- 

Quartz  hyalin  irise  H.     Irised  quartz  C.     Irisated  quartz  P. 
Obs  1.  This  variety  is  peculiar  only  for  reflecting  a  series  of  pris- 
matic colors,  either  internally,  or  externally.     When  the  reflection  is 
external,  it  probably  proceeds  from  the  deposit  of  some  metallic  ox- 
ide on  the  quartz.    The  internal  colors  obviously  proceed  from  cracks, 
or  fissures,  which  are  sometimes  in  the  direction  of  the  natural  joints. 
2.  Sometimes  the  internal  play  of  colors  may  be  produced,  by  plun- 
ging a  crystal  moderately  heated,  into  cold  water. 

Var.   10.       RADIATED  QUARTZ. 

Quartz  hyalin  fibreux  H.     Radiated  quartz  P.  C. 
Obs.  It  occurs  in  crystals  generally  small,  and  closely  aggregated, 
which  radiate  from  a  point. 

Var.   11.       STALACTICAL  QUARTZ. 

Obs.  This  variety  according  to  Phillips,  occurs  in  one  of  the  Corn- 
wall Copper  mines.  It  has,  in  no  respect,  the  appearance  of  chalce- 
dony, since  it  consists  of  strait  stalactites  several  inches  long,  compo- 
sed of  an  aggregation  of  crystals  diverging  from  the  centre. 

A  beautiful  specimen  of  this  variety  in  my  possession  from  South 
America,  is  studded  at  every  point  externally,  with  small  brilliant 
crystals.  Internally,  and  particularly  near  the  surface,  it  is  composed 
of  aggregated,  radiating  crystals.  Color,  milk-white. 

Var.  12. PSEUDOMORPHOUS  QUARTZ. 

Quartz  hyalin  pseudomorphique,  H.     Pseudomorphous  Quartz,  P.  C. 
This  variety  either  takes  the  forms  of  crystals,  or  of 
cavities  once  occupied  by  crystals. 

Obs.  These  specimens  sometimes  present  very  curious  appearan- 
ces, viz  :  hollow  vacant  spaces,  of  the  exact  form  of  some  crystal  which 
the  quartz  had  once  invested,  but  which  had  been  decomposed  and 
washed  away.  Also,  the  solid  form  of  some  crystal,  under  which 
real  crystals  of  quartz  never  appear,  and  which  form  it  took  from  the 
deposition  of  quartz  into  the  cavity  once  occupied  by  some  real  crys- 
tal. 

Local.  Bristol,  Cornwall,  and  Durham,  Eng. 

V.  8.  Southampton  and  Deerfield,  Mass.     Simsbury,  Conn, 


COMMON    QUARTZ.  7 

Var.  13. — FETID  QUARTZ. 
Quartz  hyalin  gras,  H.     Fat,  or  Fetid  Quartz,  P.     Fetid  Quartz,  C. 

Ext.  Char. — Color,  grey,  of  several  shades,  sometimes 
marked  with  spots  or  stripes  of  a  dark  hue  ;  occurs 
massive,  and  sometimes  in  crystals  ;  translucent ;  lus- 
tre resinous ;  gives  a  fetid  odor  when  struck. 

Obs.  1.  According  to  Professor  Cleaveland  this  variety,  never 
transparent,  is  always  translucent  or  opake,  and  in  some  instances 
phosphoresces  by  friction. 

2.  The  odour  which  it  emits  is  like  that  of  sulphuretted  hydrogen, 
and  probably  arises  from  some  bituminous  matter,  which  at  the  same 
time  gives  it  color. 

Local.  Near  Nantes,  in  Prance. 

U.  S.  Topsham,  Me.  On  the  banks  of  Connecticut  river,  from 
Bellows  Falls  to  Middletown. — Hitchcock. 

Var.  14. — SPONGIFORM  QUARTZ. 
Float-Stone,  J.     Spongiform  Quartz,  P. 
Ext.  Char. — Color,  white,  yellowish,  or  greyish  white: 
occurs  massive ;  texture  loose  and  spongy ;  easily  bro- 
ken ;  very  light ;  scratches  glass  ;  floats  on  water  for  a 
few  minutes. 

Comp.  Silex,  98  ;  carbonate  of  Lime,  2. —  Vanquelin. 

Obs.  Professor  Mohs  says,  that  float-stone  consists  of  a  delicate 
tissure  of  minute  crystals,  visible  under  a  powerful  magnifier,  and 
that  it  insensibly  passes  into  hornstone  and  flint. 

Var.  15. GRANULAR  QUARTZ. 

Quartz  hyalin  granulaire,  H.     Granular  Quartz,  P.  C. 

Ext.  Char. — Color,  white,  or  greyish  white  ;  occurs 
massive;  structure,  fine  granular;  often  friable ;  some- 
times flexible ;  opake. 

Obs.  The  appearance  of  this  variety  resembles  a  white  sand-stone 
without  cement.  In  thin  plates  it  is  sometimes  slightly  flexible. 

It  sometimes  forms  extensive  beds. 

Local  Brazil  and  near  St.  Gothard.  Whitby,  Eng.  The  flexible 
kind  occurs  at  all  these  localities. 

U.  8.  Vernon  and  Middlebury,  Vcr.  Williamstown,  Mass,  where 
it  forms  a  hill. 

Var.  16. — SMOKY  QUARTZ. 
Quartz  hyalin  enfume,  H.     Smoky  Quartz,  C. 

Ext.  Char. — Color,  brownish  yellow,  of  various 
shades ;  translucent,  or  nearly  transparent. 

Obs.  Objects  seen  through  it  appear  as  they  do  through  smoked 
*lass. 

Local  Cairngorm,  Scot,  and  Brazil. 


8  CAT'S  EYE — OPAL. 

V.  8.  White  Hills,  N.  H  Shrewsbury  and  Wardsborough,  Ver. 
Lancaster  county,  Penn  Fine  crystals. — Seybert.  Cornwall,  and 
Torrington,  Conn  Topsham,  Maine.  Acworth,  N.  H.  Fine  spe- 
cimens. 

Uses.  It  is  employed  in  jewelry.  Some  very  ancient  engraving? 
are  said  to  be  on  this  kind  of  stone. 

Sub-species  2.— HYALITE  *    MULLER'S GLASS. 
Quartz  hyalin  concretione,  H.     Hyalite.     Muller's  Glass,  P.  J.  C. 
Ext.  Char. — Color,  yellowish,  sometimes  grey ;  often 
bears  a  strong  resemblance  to  gum  arabic ;  occurs  sta- 
lactical,  massive,  botryoidal,  and  in  thin  layers  often 
curved ;    lustre  vitreous ;    hardness  equal  to  quartz  : 
sp.  gr.  2.  4. 

Comp.  Silex,  9*2;  water,  6  3;  alumine,  a  trace. — Buchoh. 

It  is  found  chiefly  lining  amgdaloid,  the  cavities  of  burr-stone, 
trap,  &c. 

Local  Frankfort  on  the  Maine,  Mexico,  and  at  Chemneitz,  in 
Hungary. 

U.  S.  In  the  cavities  of  the  burr-stone,  of  Geo. — Hall. 

Spe.  2  —CAT'S  EYE. 
Quartz-agathe  chatoyant,  H.     Cat's  Eye,  J  P.  C. 

Exter.  Char. — Color,  grey,  with  a  greenish  tinge ;  al- 
so brown,  or  reddish  ;  gives  out  internal  white  chato- 
yant reflections  of  light,  sometimes  greenish  and  pearly, 
resembling  the  reflection  from  the  eye  of  the  cat;  trans- 
lucent in  one  direction,  and  nearly  transparent  in  an- 
other ;  scratches  quartz. 

Chem.  Char. — Infusible,  but  becomes  opake  and  spotted,  by  heat. 

Comp.  Silex,  95  ;  alumine,  1,75;  lime,  1,50;  oxide  of  iron,  0,25. 
— Klaproth. 

Obs  This  is  a  singular  and  beautiful  little  stone  which  comes  from 
India,  ready  cut  and  polished.  The  size  is  about  that  of  half  a  ha- 
zlenut,  and  it  is  generally  cut  in  form  of  an  ovate  hemisphere.  Its 
peculiar  pearly  reflections  are  said  to  be  caused  by  minute  fibres  of 
amianthus,  by  which  it  is  penetrated. 

It  is  in  great  request  as  a  gem,  and  bears  a  high  price. 

Its  geological  situation  and  localities  are  unknown. 

Spe.  3.— OPAL  t 

Quartz  resinite,  H.    Opal,  P  C      Indivisible  Quartz,  J.    Uncleav- 
able  Quartz,  M. 

Remarks.    This  species  contains  one  of  the  most  beautiful  and 

*  Greek,  from  ils  glassy  appearance. 

t  From  the  Greek,  signifying  eye.  The  ancients  believed  this  stone  had  the 
power  of  strengthening  the  eye. 


OPAL.  9 

eostly  of  precious  stones.  The  composition  of  opal  differs  from  that 
of  quartz,  chiefly  in  its  containing  a  greater  quantity  of  water. 
None  of  the  varieties  are  hard  enough  to  give  fire  with  steel. 

Var.   1. — PRECIOUS  OPAL.     NOBLE   OPAL. 
Quartz  resinite  opalin,  H.     Precious  opal,  J.  P.  C. 
Ext  Ckar. — Colors,  white,  milk  white,  or  yellowish 
white ;  occurs  in  sm  ill  masses,  or  concretions  ;  translu- 
cent, or  transparent ;  presents,  as  it  is  turned  in  differ- 
ent directions  towards  the  light,  most  of  the  prismatic 
colors  ;  fracture  conchoidal ;   scratches  glass  ;  easily 
broken;  sp.  gr.  2,1. 

Chem.  Char,  Decrepitates  and  loses  its  colors  when  heated,  but  is 
infusible. 

Comp.     Silex  90  ;  water  10. — Klaproth. 

Obs.  1.  The  precious  opal  is  readily  known  from  its  beautiful  dis- 
play of  changeable  colors  ;  these  are  green,  blue  yellow,  red,  and 
purple  of  various  shades,  proceeding  from  the  interior  of  the  gem, 
and  depending  on  the  direction  in  which  it  is  turned  towards  the 
light. 

2.  The  phenomenon  of  this  beautiful  play  of  colors,  has  not  been 
satisfactorily  explained.     Hauy  attributes  it  to  the  fissures  of  the  in- 
terior being  filled  with  films  of  air,  agreeably  to  the  law  of  Newtoi's 
colored  rings,  when  two  pieces  of  glass  are  pressed  together. 

Mohs  objects  to  this  explanation,  on  the  ground  that,  were  this  the 
fact,  the  opal  would  present  nothing  but  a  kind  of  irridescence. 

Dr.  Brewster,  however,  after  a  great  number  of  observations,  con- 
cludes that  the  play  of  light  depends  upon  openings  in  the  interior  of 
the  mass  of  opal,  which  are  not  accidental  fissures,  but  of  a  uniform 
shape,  and  which  reflect  the  tints  of  Newton's  scale. 

3.  The  opal  was  well  known  to  the  ancients,  and  is  mentioned  by 
Pliny,  who  states  that  the   Roman  Senator  Nonius  chose  to  suffer 
banishment,  rather  than  part  with  a  valuable  one  to  Mark  Anthony. 

Local.  Hungary  ;  where  it  is  found  in  small  masses,  in  a  vein  of 
clay  stone  porphyry.  Also  in  the  Faroe  Islands  ;  near  Freyberg,  and 
in  South  America. 

Obs.  The  Hungarian  opal  mines  are  at  Czerwiniza,  where  they 
are  found  of  various  qualities,  from  the  white  translucent  common  opal, 
to  the  utmost  refulgence  of  the  lively  play  of  colors  by  which  that 
noble  gem  is  distinguished. 

Uses.  The  opal  is  cut  and  polished  for  the  finest  and  most  costly 
kind  of  jewelry.  In  setting  it,  a  black  foil  is  said  to  have  a  power- 
ful effect  in  heightening  its  play  of  colors  Some  opals  of  remark- 
able beauty,  are  equal  in  value  to  the  diamond. 

Obs.  Jameson  relates  that  in  the  cabinet  at  Vienna,  there  are  two 
pieces  of  opal,  one  of  which  is  5  1-2  inches  long,  by  2  1-2  inches  in 
diameter,  and  the  other  about  the  size  of  a  hen's  egg.  Both  of  them 

2 


10  OPAL. 

exhibit  a  very  rich  and  splendent  play  of  colors.      These  are  from 
Hungary,  and  probably  the  largest  specimens  ever  found. 

Var.  2. — FIRE  OPAL. 

Quartz  resinite  girasol,  H.  Fire  opal,  J.  P.  Girasol,  C. 
Ext.  Char.  This  variety  differs  from  the  precious  opal 
in  possessing  only  a  red  reflection,  when  turned  toward 
the  sun,  or  a  strong  light. 

Obs.  The  color  of  fire  opal  is  bluish  white  or  milk  white.  It  is 
said  to  occur  with  the  precious  opal,  but  to  be  much  more  rare. 

Jameson  describes  a  fire  opal  of  a  hyacinth  red,  which  gives  car- 
mine red  and  greenish  reflections.  It  comes  from  Mexico. 

Mr.  Phillips  possesses  a  specimen  of  fire  opal  from  Cornwall. 

Var.  3. — coiiiMON  OPAL. 
Quartz  resinite  commun,  H.  Common  opal,  J.  A.  C.  P. 

Ext.  Char.  Color,  white,  with  shades  of  yellow,  blue, 
or  green ;  occurs  massive,  and  in  rolled  pieces ;  frac- 
ture perfectly  conchoidal ;  fragments  sharp  edged ; 
lustre  resino-vitreous  ;  translucent ;  is  scratched  by 
quartz ;  brittle  ;  scratches  glass ;  sp.  gr.  2.  1. 

Chem.  Char.  Infusible  ;  insoluble  in  acids. 

Comp.  Silex  92 ;  water  7.75  ;  oxid  of  iron  0.25.    Phillips. 

Obs.  1.  This  variety  is  entirely  without  the  play  of  prismatic  col- 
ors which  makes  the  precious  opal  so  valuable. 

2.  When  viewed  by  the  transmitted  light,  the  milk  white  variety 
often  appears  of  a  different  color. 

Dist.  Char.  Pitchstone  which  it  may  sometimes  resemble,  is  fusi- 
ble, and  of  a  darker  color.  Its  fracture  is  more  perfectly  conchoidal, 
and  it  is  more  translucent  than  semi-opal.  It  is  not  as  hard  as  chal- 
cedony, cacholong,  or  hornstone. 

Local  Hungary,  Saxony,  Bohemia  and  Silesia.  In  Hungary  it  is 
found  with  the  precious  opal. 

U.  S.  Near  Easton,  Penn.     Litchfield,  Conn. 

Uses.  It  is  cut  and  polished  for  Jewelry. 

Some  fine  ancient  engravings  are  on  this  stone,  but  it  is  considered 
too  soft  for  this  purpose.  Of  Modern  engravings  on  it,  a  cameo  is 
mentioned,  bearing  the  likeness  of  Louis  XIII,  when  a  child. 

Var.  4. — SEMI-OPAL. 
Semi-opal,  J.  A.  P.  C 

Ext.  Char. — Colors,  white,  greyish,  yellowish,  or 
brownish ;  occurs  in  compact  masses,  also  stalactical 
and  reniform  ;  fracture  imperfectly  conchoidal ;  trans- 
lucent, or  nearly  opake ;  colors  generally  dull,  and 
sometimes  runs  in  spots,  or  veins ;  brittle ;  often  cov- 
ered with  an  opake  crust  from  decomposition. 


OPAL.  1  1 

Chem.  Cliar.  Infusible. 

Comp.  Silex  85  ;  carbon  1  ;  ainmonical  water  8  ;  oxide  of  Iroft 
1.75.—  Klaproth. 

•  Dist.  Ckar.  It  is  more  opake  than  common  opal  ;  and  is  also  hard- 
er. Pitchstone  is  generally  of  a  darker  color,  and  is  fusible.  It 
never  possesses  the  peculiar  milky  whiteness  of  cacholong,  nor  the 
hardness  of  chalcedony. 

It  occurs  in  most  countries  of  Europe,  especially  in  silver  veins, 
traversing  granite  and  gneiss. 

Local  Greenland,  Iceland,  Faroe  Isles,  and  France. 

U.  S.  Bare  Hills,  Md.  Corlear's  Hook,  N.  Y.  At  the  Falls  of  the 
Delaware,  Penn. 

Far.   5.     WOOD    OPAL. 
Quartz  resinite  xyloide,  H.  Wood  opal,  P.  A.     Opalized  wood,  C. 

Ext.  Char.  —  Color,  several  tints  of  white,  grey,  brown, 
and  black  ;  occurs  massive,  with  a  ligneous  aspect  ; 
fracture  conchoidal  ;  harder  than  semi-opal  ;  lustre  re- 
sinous or  waxy  ;  translucent  on  the  edges,  or  opake  \ 
sp.  gr.  2. 

Obs,  1.  This  variety  resembles  semi-opal,  except  in  its  woody  ap- 
pearance. 

2.  It  is  distinguished,  according  to  Phillips,  from  petrified  wood,  by 
its  greater  lightness  and  translucency  and  its  conchoidal  fracture. 
Local.  Hungary,  in  alluvium.    Transylvania,  in  trap. 

Far.  6.  —  FERRUGINOUS  OPAL. 
Jasper  Opal,  J.     Ferruginous  Opal,  J.  P.  C. 
Ext.  Char.  —  Color,  some  shade  of  red,  yellow,  grey, 
or  brown,  generally  deep,  sometimes  spotted  ;  occurs 
massive;  opake  or  feebly  translucent  at  the  edges;  frac- 
ture flat  conchoidal  ;  lustre  shining  :  sp.  gr.  2. 

Comp.  Silex  43.5  ;  oxide  of  iron  47  ;  water  7.5. 

Dist.  Char.  Differs  externally  from  common  opal  in  the  deepness 
of  its  colors.  It  probably  passes  into  jasper,  from  which  it  is  some- 
times difficult  to  distinguish  it. 

Local  Hungary,  Siberia,  Saxony,  and  near  Constantinople. 

.  7.—  HYDROPHANE.* 


Quartz  resinite  hydrophane,  H.     Hydrophane,  A.  P.  C. 

Ext.  C/iar;-Colors,  white,  or  yellowish;  occurs  massive, 
and  in  small  concretions  ;  opake,  when  dry,  but  be- 
comes translucent  and  opalescent  after  immersion  in 
water  ;  adheres  to  the  tongue  ;  fracture  conchoidal. 

*  From  the  Greek,  in  allusion  to  its  becoming  transparent  in  water. 


12  FLINT. 

Comp.  Silex  93.13  ;  water  5.26;  alumine  I  62. — Klaprotli. 

Obs.  1.  The  curious  property  which  this  variety  possesses  of  be- 
coming transparent,  on  immersion,  seems  to  depend  on  the  porous  na- 
ture of  the  stone.  Other  porous  substances,  containing  air,  as  white 
paper  and  linen,  become  more  or  less  transparent  when  their  pores 
are  filled  with  water  instead  of  air. 

2  Winklemann  describes  an  ancient  engraved  stone,  with  three 
layers,  one  of  which  was  white ;  and  says  that  the  white  layer  be- 
came black,  when  the  ring  in  which  it  was  set  was  worn,  but  that  it 
became  white  again,  when  the  ring  was  laid  aside. 

3.  It  is  probable  that  the  white  layer,  was  an  hydrophone,  and  that 
the  moisture  of  the  hand  rendered  it  so  transparent  as  to  show  the 
black  one  to  which  it  was  attached,  through  it,  and  thus  to  make  it- 
self appear  black. — Rces'  Cyclop. 

Var.  8. — MENILITE. 

Quartz  resinite  subluisant,  H.  Menilite,  J.  P.  C. 
Ext.  Clmr. — Color,  yellowish  grey,  brownish,  or  ash 
grey ;  occurs  in  small  tuberous,  or  roundish  masses  ; 
fracture  conchoidal,  sometimes  with  an  apparent  slaty 
structure ;  lustre  dull  ;  translucent  or  opake  ;  aspect 
argillaceous  ;  scratches  glass ;  sp.  gr.  2.25. 

Chem.  Char. — Infusible ;  insoluble  in  acids. 

Comp.  Silex  85.5  ;  alumine  I  ;  water  11  ;  with  a  small  portion  of 
oxide  of  iron  and  bitumen. — Klaproth. 

Local.  Near  Paris,  imbedded  in  clay,  at  a  place  called  Menil-Mon- 
tant,  and  hence  the  name. 

Species  4.— FLINT. 

Quartz  agathe  pyromaque,  H.  Flint,  J.  A.  P  C. 
Ext.  Char. — Colors,  grey,  yellow,  and  blackish,  of  va- 
rious shades  ;  occurs  in  nodular  masses,  covered  exter- 
nally with  a  white  chalky  coat ;  texture  compact;  frac- 
ture perfectly  conchoidal ;  lustre  glimmering,  some- 
what greasy  ;  fragments  sharp  edged ;  translucent  on 
the  edges ;  gives  lively  and  copious  sparks  with  steel ; 
scratches  quartz ;  sp.  gr.  2.58  to  2.63. 

Chtm.  Char. — Infusible,  but  loses  its  color,  and  becomes  opake 
and  brittle 

Comp.  Silex  98  ;  lime  0.5 ;  alumine  0.25  ;  oxide  of  iron  0.25  ;  wa- 
ter l.-~J\lffproth. 

It  is  found  in  the  upper  part  of  chalk  formations,  in  marl,  in  lime- 
stone formations,  and  in  alluvial  deposits. 

Local.  Denmark,  Poland,  Siberia,  France,  England.  Immense 
beds  are  found  in  the  north  of  France,  and  at  Dover,  in  England. 

Obs.  Nodules  of  flint  are  sometimes  found  enclosing  organic  re- 
mains,and  Kir  wan  quotes  an  author  who  says  that  126  silver  coins  were 


CHALCEDONY  13 

found  in  different  nodules  of  flint  at  Grinoc,  in  Denmark,  and  an  iron 
nail,  at  Potsham. 

Uses.  Its  most  important  use  is  that  of  making  gun  flints.  It  there- 
fore assumes  a  very  important  rank  among  minerals,  and  particularly 
when  it  is  considered  that  the  defence,  and  even  liberty  of  a  nation 
may  depend  on  its  locality. 

The  manufacture  of  gun  flints  is  chiefly  confined  to  France  and 
England.  In  the  former  country,  in  the  vallies  of  the  Seine  and 
Marne,  immense  beds  of  flint  are  found,  and  the  manufacture  is  car- 
ried on  to  a  great  extent. 

Good  stones  for  this  purpose  are  however  comparatively  scarce,  for 
Dolomieu  states,  that  out  of  20  beds,  which  the  workmen  go  through, 
not  more  than  one  or  two,  contain  good  flints  for  working.  Nor  can 
the  stones,  though  good  when  first  raised,  be  worked  after  being  ex- 
posed to  the  air  for  any  considerable  time. 

The  instruments  used  in  fashioning  gun  flints  are,  a  large  hammer 
with  square  heads  ;  a  small  hammer  with  blunt  points  nearly  in  the 
form  of  a  triangle  ;  a  little  steel  instrument,  in  shape  of  a  wheel,  with 
a  handle  in  the  centre,  called  a  roller  ;  and  a  chisel  seven  or  eight 
inches  long,  bevelled  on  both  sides. 

Having  selected  a  good  specimen  of  silex,  the  workman  seats  him- 
self on  the  ground  and  proceeds  as  follows. 

1.  Placing  the  mass  on  the  left  thigh,  he  divides  it  in  the  middle 
with  a  few  gentle  blows  of  the  large  hammer. 

2.  He  next  takes  one  half  of  the  mass,  and  with  the  small  hammer, 
breaks  it  into  pieces  about  2  1-2  inches  long,  1 1-2  wide,  arid  1-4  of  an 
inch  thick.     This  requires  peculiar  dexterity  and  much  experience. 

3.  To  fashion  the  flint ;  he  places  one  of  the  small  pieces  on  the 
edge  of  the  chisel,  which  is  supported  by  the  fore- finger  of  the  left 
hand,  and  with  light  blows  of  the  roller,  it  breaks  along  the  edge  of 
the  chisel,  and  is  thus  reduced  to  its  proper  shape  and  size. 

The  operation  of  fashioning  a  gun  flint  is  done  in  less  than  a  mi- 
nute, and  a  good  workman  will  produce  a  thousand  per  day. 

About  800  people  are  employed  in  this  species  of  manufacture,  in 
a  particular  section  of  France,  and  they  have  excavated  a  great  pro- 
portion of  the  plain  they  inhabit. 

Species  5.— CHALCEDONY.* 

This  species  presents  several  varieties  which  nearly  agree  in  respect 
to  fracture  and  hardness,  but  differ  chiefly  in  respect  to  color.  In 
several  instances,  however,  they  mutually  pass  into  each  other,  so  that 
it  is  sometimes  difficult  to  determine  where  one  variety  terminates  and 
the  other  begins.  Chalcedony  also  passes  insensibly  into  agate  and 
carnelian,  and  perhaps  into  hornstone. 

Far.  1. COMMON  CHALCEDONY. 

Quartz  agathe  chalcedonia,  H.     Chalcedony,  A.  P.     Common  Chal- 
cedony, C. 

Ext.  Char. — Colors,  white,  bluish  white,  pale  yellow, 

*  From  Chalcedon  in  Asia,  where  it  was  found  by  the  ancients. 


14  CHALCEDONY. 

brownish,  greenish,  and  grey  ;  occurs  in  small  masses, 
in  nodules,  stalactical  concretions,  and  in  hollow  crusts; 
surface  rough  ;  iracture  conchoidal,  or  uneven  ;  frag- 
ments sharp  edged  ;  lustre  vitreous  ;  harder  than  flint ; 
translucent ;  with  a  cloudy,  or  milky  appearance ;  sp. 
gr.  2.60. 

Chem.  Char. — Infusible,  but  turns  white  and  opake. 

Comp.  Silex  84  ;  alumine  16. — Bergman. 

Obs.  1.  Chalcedony  when  viewed  by  transmitted  light,  appears 
milky,  and  sometimes  clouded. 

2.  It  almost  always  appears  externally  with  a  dark  colored,  corrod- 
ed crust,  and  is  often  found  hollow,  with  crystals  of  quartz  lining  its 
cavities. 

Dist.  Char.  It  is  more  transparent  than  flint ;  is  never  reddish 
like  carnelian  ;  nor  milk  white  and  opake,  like  cacholong,  nor  striped 
like  onyx  and  agate.  It  also  differs  from  all  these  in  exhibiting  marks 
of  internal  mammillary  concretions,  when  held  between  the  eye  and 
the  light. 

Obs.  Chalcedony  is  often  called  by  jewellers,  white  carnelian. 

It  is  found  in  the  cavities  of  rocks,  as  amygdaloid,  porphyry,  green- 
stone, and  basalt. 

Local.  Its  foreign  localities  are  very  numerous,  but  the  finest  spe- 
cimens are  said  to  be  found  in  Cornwall,  Eng.  and  the  Faroe  Isl- 
ands. 

U.  S.  East-Haven,  Con.  ;  specimens  fine,  and  well  characterized. 
—Silliman.  Deerfield  and  Middlefield,  Mass.  ;  Counties  of  Perry, 
Athens,  Hocking,  &c.  Ohio. — Atwater.  Little  Britain,  Lancaster 
County,  Penn. ;  very  beautiful. — Conrad.  Several  places  in  Mis- 
souri. Near  Pompton  Plain,  also  on  Pracknes  Mountain,  and  in  Sus- 
sex County,  N.  J.  ;  Lynn,  on  Nahant  beach,  Mass. 

Uses.  Chalcedony  bears  a  fine  polish  and  is  considerably  esteemed, 
under  the  name  of  white  carnelian  as  an  ornamental  stone,  for  watch 
seals,  snuff  boxes,  &c. 

The  ancients  engraved  upon  it,  and  there  are  still  extant,  several 
master  pieces  of  the  art,  on  this  stone.  One  of  the  best  is  the  cele- 
brated Dyonisiac  bull,  by  Hyllus. 

Var.  2.     ONYX. 

Quartz  agathe  Onyx,  H.  Onyx,  P.  Agate,  Onyx,  C. 
Ext.  Char. — Colors,  milk  white  and  opake,  and  blu- 
ish white  and  translucent,  alternating  with  each  other. 

Obs.  The  onyx,  so  far  as  we  have  been  able  to  ascertain,  is  a  stri- 
ped chalcedonic  stone,  consisting  of  alternate  layers  of  opake  milk 
white  chalcedony,  or  cacholong,  and  of  the  common  bluish,  translu- 
cent chalcedony. 

Remark*.  Good  specimens  of  the  onyx  may  often  be  found  at  the 
present  time  among  the  obsolete,  and  neglected  articles  which  are 
thrown  aside  in  every  jeweller's  shop. 


SARDONYX. 

Var.    3.     CACHOLONG. 

Quartz  agathe  cacholong,  H.  Cacholong,  J.  A.  P.  C. 
Ext.  Char.  —  Color,  milk  white;  occurs  in  layers  with 
chalcedony  ;  or  sometimes  encrusting  or  penetrating 
it:  opake,  or  as  it  runs  into  chalcedony,  translucent  ; 
hardness  equal  to  quartz;  lustre  pearly:  subject  to 
disintegration. 


O&5.  This  is  merely  a  white  and  opake  variety  of  chalcedony,  into 
which  it  passes  by  insensible  shades.  In  polished  specimens  of  chal- 
cedony, specks  of  cacholong  are  often  seen. 

Local.  On  the  Borders  of  the  River  Cach*  in  Bucharia,  withthal- 
cedony.  In  the  Faroe  Island,  Elba,  Spain,  &/c. 

U.  S.  Deerfield,  Mass,  (with  chalcedony.)     Pittsfield,  Mass. 

Var.  4.  —  SARD. 

Quartz  agathe  Sardoine,  H.  Sard  P.  Sardonyx,  C. 
This  is  chalcedony   of  a  deep  rich,  reddish  brown 
color  ;  by  transmitted  light  approaching  to  blood  red.  — 
Phillips. 

Remark.  This  is  most  probably  a  variety  of  carnelian,  but  is  per- 
mitted to  remain  here,  that  the  varieties  forming  the  Sardonyx  may 
be  near  each  other. 

Species.  6  —SARDONYX.    Rees9  Cyclop. 
Ext.  Char.  —  Colors,  alternately  bluish,  white,  and  red  : 
consisting  of  stripes  or  layers  of  onyx  and  sard. 

Remark.  Systematic  writers  do  not  agree  as  to  what  constitutes 
onyx  and  sardonyx. 

Jameson  says,  the  onyx  is  formed  of  white  and  brown  stripes  of  chal- 
cedony. 

Aikin,  considers,  \hat  two  or  more  plates  of  any  of  the  varieties  of 
chalcedony  forms  the  onyx. 

Hauy  and  Cleveland,  call  that  variety  of  agate,  on  which  the  dif- 
ferent colors  are  arranged  in  distinct  parallel  stripes  or  zones,  onyx- 
agate. 

Phillips,  agrees  with  Jameson  in  respect  to  onyx,  and  says  that 
sardonyx  consists  of  sard  and  alternate  layers  of  onyx,  or  milk  white 
chalcedony. 

Hauy  and  Cleveland,  define  sardonyx,  to  be  a  reddish  yellow  vari- 
ety of  chalcedony,  &,c. 

Obs.  }  .  Amidst  this  confusion  it  appeared  desirable  that  the  an- 
cient distinctions  should  be  adopted,  if  they  could  be  ascertained,  and 
it  appears  from  Rets*  Cyclop,  article  Gems,  that  the  stone  anciently 
called  onyx,  was  one  which  agreed  with  the  above  description  of  that 
variety,  and  thfatthe  sardonyx  consisted  of  alternate  stripes  of  sard  and 
enyx,  or  sard  and  chalcedony,  or  both. 

*  Cach,  whence  Ute  name, 


16  HELIOTROPE    BLOODSTONE. 

This  account  agrees  with  that  of  Calmet,  who  says  that  sardonyx 
is  sardius  united  to  onyx. 

2.  Onyx  and  sardonyx  have  been  employed  by  ancient,  as  well  as 
modern  artists,  for  executing  those  gems  in  relief,  called  Cameos ; 
the  different  colors  enabling  the  artist  to  display  his  taste  and  skill 
with  most  exquisite  effect.  Thus  if  a  white  translucent  zone  be  next 
to  one  of  sard,  the  red  ground  will  impart  a  beautiful  flesh  red  color 
to  the  face,  and  if  a  white  opake  zone  comes  next  above  the  translu- 
cent one,  as  in  the  onyx,  this  may  be  converted  into  drapery,  &c. 

Many  celebrated  productions  of  this  kind  are  still  preserved,  and 
among  them,  there  are  in  the  Royal  Library  at  Paris,  the  following. 
The  Apotheosis  of  Augustus,  of  two  brown  and  two  white  layers,  be- 
inglin  oval  of  eleven  inches  by  nine.  The  celebrated  Brunswick 
Vase,  representing  Ceres  in  search  of  Proserpine.  Agrippina  and 
her  two  children,  the  stone  consisting  of  two  layers,  brown  and  white. 
The  quarrel  of  Minerva  with  Neptune,  three  layers.  Venus  on  a  sea- 
horse surrounded  by  cupids,  the  layers  being  black  and  white  ;  see 
Rets*  Cyclopedia. 

Species  7.— HELIOTROPE.*     BLOODSTONE. 

Quartz  agathe  vert  obser  et  ponctue,  H.     Heliotrope,  A.  P.  C. 

Ext.  Char. — Color,  deep  green,  peculiarly  rich  and 
pleasant  to  the  eye,  interspersed  with  blood  red,  or 
yellowish  spots,  or  dots  ;  fracture  conchoidal ;  translu- 
cent on  the  edges  ;  lustre  glistening  and  resinous ;  sp. 
gr.  2.63. 

Chem.  Char. — Infusible,  but  loses  its  color. 

Comp.  Silex  84 ;  alumine  7.5 ;  oxide  of  iron  5. —  Thomsdorf. 

Dist.  Char.  It  differs  from  jasper  by  its  translucency,  and  from 
this  and  most  other  minerals  by  the  richness  and  peculiarity  of  its 
colors. 

Remark.  It  is  called  bloodstone  from  the  appearance  of  the  red 
spots,  and  sometimes  oriental  jasper,  because  the  finest  varieties  come 
from  the  east.  These  spots  appear  to  be  fine  red  jasper. 

Local.  Siberia,  Iceland,  Bohemia,  Faroe  Islands,  Scotland,  and  In- 
dia. 

U.  S.  Near  Troy,  N.  Y.—  C.  U.  Shepard. 

Uses.  Fine  specimens  are  highly  esteemed  as  an  ornamental  stone, 
for  seals,  snuff-boxes,  rings,  &c. 

Artists  who  have  engraved  on  this  stone,  have  sometimes  availed 
themselves  of  its  peculiar  arrangement  of  colors  to  produce  striking 
effects.  Thus  there  exists  in  the  royal  collection  at  Paris,  a  bust  of 
Christ  on  a  heliotrope,  in  which  the  drops  of  blood  are  represented  by 
the  natural  red  spots  on  the  stone. 


*  From  two  Greek  words  signifying,  spotted  with  suns, 


CARNELIAN.  1  7 

Var.  1.  —  PLASMA.* 
Plasma,  J.  A.  P.  C. 

Ext.  Char.  —  Color,  green,  with  yellow  and  white 
spots  ;  fracture  conchoidal  ;  lustre  feebly  resinous  ; 
translucent  :  harder  than  quartz. 

Chem.  Char.  Infusible,  but  becomes  whitish  and  opake. 

Comp.  Silex  6.  75  ;  alumine  0.  25  ;  iron  0  5.  —  Klaproth. 

Dist.  Char.  The  green  is  not  so  rich,  and  pleasant,  as  that  of  helio- 
trope. It  is  darker  than  chysoprase,  and  its  translucency  will  dis- 
tinguish it  from  jasper. 

Local.  Italy  and  the  Levant  :  Moravia,  Mount  Olympus,  Prussia 
and  South  America. 

It  was  worn  as  an  ornamental  stone  by  the  Romans,  and  is  still  es- 
teemed. 


.  2.  -  CHRYSOPRASE.t 

Quartz  agathe  prase,  H.     Chrysoprase,  J.  A.  P.  M. 
Ext.  Char.  —  Color,   apple  green  ;    occurs   in  small 
masses  ;    fracture   conchoidal  ;    translucent  ;    lustre, 
glimmering  ;    hardness,  a  little  less  than  that  of  flint  : 
sp  gr.  3 

Chem.  Char.     Infusible,  but  becomes  opake  and  white. 

Comp.  Silex  96.  17  ;  lime  0.83  ;  alumine  0.08  ;  oxide  of  iron  0.08  ; 
oxide  of  nickel  1.0.  —  Klaproth. 

Dist.  Char.  Its  color  is  a  little  lighter  and  more  lively  than  those 
of  heliotrope  or  plasma,  and  it  is  without  spots.  The  lustre  of  prase 
is  v  itreous,  and  its  fracture  uneven  and  quartose. 

Local.  Lower  Siberia,  in  veins  with  chalcedony. 

U.  S.  New  Fane,  JV*.  H.  ;  color,  apple  green,  amorphous. 

Uses.  It  is  highly  prized  as  a  gem  ;  ringstones  of  the  finest  qual- 
ity, being  sometimes  sold  for  20  guineas.  Its  high  price  has  produ- 
ced excellent  imitations  in  paste. 

Species  3  —  CARNELTAN.j: 

Quartz  agathe  cornaline,  H.  Carnelian,  J.  A.  P.  C. 
Ext.  Char.  —  Colors,  red  of  different  shades,  from  light 
flesh  red,  to  dark  blood  red,  passing  into  greenish 
brown,  and  bright  yellow  ;  fracture  perfectly  conchoi- 
dal ;  lustre,  glimmering  5  translucent  or  semi-transpa- 
rent ;  occurs  in  rounded  masses,  also  reniform  and  in 
thin  plates. 

Chem.  Char.  Infusible,  but  turns  opake  and  loses  its  color. 

*  Plasma  Greek  ;  engraving  ;  because  the  ancients  engraved  on  if. 

t  From  (he  Greek,  a  superior  kind  of  prase. 

t  From  its  resemblance  to  the  colonr  of  flesh. 

3 


AGATE. 

Comp.  Silex  94  ;  alumine  3.5  ;  lime  1 .5 ;  oxide  of  iron  0.75. — 
Bindhetm. 

Dist.  Char.  Carnelian  can  only  be  distinguished  by  its  colors,  and 
in  some  specimens  it  is  difficult  to  decide  whether  it  belongs  to  chal- 
cedony, agate,  jasper,  or  carnelian.  Indeed,  in  many  specimens  all 
these  varieties  are  blended  together,  and  insensibly  pass  into  each 
other.  Specimens  properly  called  carnelian,  are  often  spotted  with 
opake  jasper,  striped,  or  clouded  with  cacholong,  &LC. 

Obs.  In  making  carnelian  a  species,  convenience  to  the  learner 
has  been  consulted,  rather  than  the  dictates  of  authority. 

It  is  found  with  chalcedony,  agate,  and  jasper. 

Local.  India,  Arabia,  Siberia,  and  almost  every  other  country. 
The  finest  comes  from  India. 

U.  S.  Near  Lake  Superior.  At  the  Falls  of  St.  Anthony,  and  at 
Herculaneum,  Missouri.  Deerfield,  M  ss. 

Uses.  Some  of  the  finest  specimens  of  antique  engraving,  are  on 
carnelian,  and  the  purest  and  most  transparent  stones  of  this  kind, 
are  still  found  among  these  remains  of  ancient  art.  Hence  it  has 
been  supposed  that  the  ancients  possessed  the  art  of  improving  the 
beauty  of  their  carnelians,  by  some  process  now  unknown. 

The  number  of  ancient  engraved  carnelians  still  preserved,  is 
very  numerous,  and  hence  it  is  inferred  that  this  stone  was  preferred 
to  all  others  for  this  purpose. 

Species  9.— AGATE. 
Quartz  agathe,  H.     Agate,  J.  P.  C.  M. 
Ext.  Char. — Agate  is   an  aggregate  of  a  variety  of 
silicious  substances,  each  of  which  maintains,  more  or 
less,  its  own  character  and  color  in  the  mass.     The 
minerals  of  which  agate  is  composed,  are  chalcedony, 
cacholong,  quartz,  amethyst,  carnelian,  heliotrope,  j  as- 
per  and  common  opal. 

Obs.  1.  In  general,  only  two  or  three  of  these  minerals  are  present  in 
a  single  specimen,  and  occasionally  specimens  of  agate  occur  mostly 
composed  of  chalcedony,  which  generally,  indeed,  is  the  principal 
ingredient. 

2.  The  variety  of  colors  which  the  agate  presents,  depends  chiefly 
on  the  number  and  kind  of  simple  minerals  which  compose  it.  Some 
specimens  are  dotted  or  clouded  with  red  carnelian  ;  or  striped  like 
the  onyx,  alternately  with  chalcedony  and  cacholong ;  or  in  some 
parts  opake,  with  the  presence  of  jasper,  &c.  The  varieties  depend 
on  the  arrangement  of  the  colors. 

Var.  1.  Ribbon  Agate. — It  consists  of  parallel  layers  of  several 
simple  minerals,  as  chalcedony,  cacholong,  jasper,  &,c.  alternating 
with  each  other. 

Var.  2.  Brer  dated  Agnte. — This  beautiful  variety  is  composed  of 
the  angular  fragments  of  the  other  varieties  united  into  masses  by  a 
siliceous  cement. 


JASPER.  1 

Local  Saxony,  in  a  metallic  vein. 

Var.  3.  Fortification  Agate. — It  consists  of  a  centre  of  one  color, 
for  instance  of  red  carnelian,  surrounded  by  zigzag  angular  lines  of 
other  colors,  as  of  white  cacholong,  chalcedony,  &c  ;  the  whole  re- 
sembling with  the  help  of  the  imagination,  a  fortification. 

Var  4.  Moi-ha-titom.  Moss  Agate. — It  is  formed  of  a  translucent 
exterior,  with  internal  appearances  like  vegetable  fibres,  as  roots, 
moss,  or  trees.  These  perhaps  were  once  real  vegetables,  changed 
to  stone  by  the  infiltration  of  silicious  particles. 

Obs.  Dr.  Mac  Cullock,  as  stated  by  Mr.  Phillips,  has  instituted 
an  inquiry  into  the  nature  of  the  vegetable  appearances  in  the  varie- 
ties of  agate,  and  from  which  he  concludes  that  they  are  owing  to  the 
existence  of  real  plants  in  the  stone. 

Agates  are  found  in  porphyry,  amygdaloid,  greenstone,  and  ser- 
pentine, generally  accompanied  with  chalcedony,  carnelian,  &c. 

Local  Oberttein,  in  Germany.  Saxony,  Silesia,  Italy,  Scotland; 
also  in  many  places  in  England,  and  most  other  countries. 

The  most  beautiful  are  said  to  come  from  Oberstein,  hi  Germany. 

U.  S  Near  Baltimore,  Md.  In  most  of  the  greenstone  hills  in 
New  Jersey.  East  Haven,  Con.  Also  at  Woodbury,  Con.  Deer- 
field,  Mass,  composed  of  chalcedony,  carnelian,  sardonyx,  and  ca* 
cholongr  — Hitchcock.  Also  in  Georgia,  Missouri,  and  Indiana. 
Cumberland,  R.  1.  beautiful. 

U-.es  The  hardness  of  agate,  and  the  great  variety  and  beauty  of 
its  colors,  have  brought  it  into  extensive  demand,  both  for  useful  and 
ornamental  purposes.  It  is  employed  for  mortars,  snuff-boxes,  seals, 
beads,  &c. 

The  ancients  employed  it  for  engravings,  and  some  fine  cameos 
still  exist  on  this  stone. 

Species  10.— JASPER. 

Jasper,  like  carnelian,  chalcedony,  and  agate,  is  chiejly  composed  of 
silex ;  but  it  always  contains  a  greater  proportion  of  iron,  and  hence 
instead  of  being  translucent,  like  these  minerals ,  it  is  always  opake. 

This  species  is  subdivided  into  the  following  varieties. 

Var.  1.  COMMON  JASPER. 
Quartz  Jaspe,  H.     Jasper,  J.  C.  P. 

Ext.  Char. — Colors,  red,  yellow,  and  brown,  of  dif- 
ferent shades,  often  variously  intermixed  ;  also,  green- 
ish, bluish,  or  nearly  black,  and  sometimes  white; 
occurs  in  amorphous  masses  of  various  dimensions  : 
lustre  dull,  or  slightly  resinous  ;  fracture  conchoidal ; 
entirely  opake  ;  sp.  gr.  2.70. 

Chem.  Char.  Infusible,  but  turns  whitish. 

Comp.  Silex  75 ;  alumine  0.  5  ;  lime  0.  02  ;    iron  13. — Kirwan. 

Dist.  Char.  Jasper  is  distinguished  from  carnelian  heliotrope, 
hornstone  and  opal,  by  its  opacity  ;  jaspery  iron  ore  is  heavier  than 
jasper,  and  blackens  under  the  blowpipe  ;  pitclistone  is  fusible ; 


20  JA8PER. 

Tar.  2.  STRIPED  JASPER.    RIBBON  JASPER; 
Quartz  jaspe  onyx,  H.     Striped  Jasper,  J.  A.  P.  C. 
Ext.  Char.— Colors,  red, yellow,  green,  grey,  or  brown, 
arranged  in  stripes  or  bands ;  sometimes  in  spots  or 
veins. 

Local  Beautiful  specimens  are  found  in  the  Uralian  mountains. 

Var.  3. EGYPTIAN    JASPER. 

Quartz  agathe  onyx  opaque,  H.     Egyptian  Jasper.  J.  A.  P.  C. 

Ext.  Char. — Colors,  brown,  red,  and  yellow  of  vari- 
ous shades,  the  yellow  often  light,  approaching  to 
cream  color.  These  colors  are  arranged  in  irregular 
zones,  or  in  spots,  or  dentritic  delineations.  It  oc- 
curs in  rounded  or  ovate  masses,  with  a  brownish  or 
nearly  black  and  rough  external  coat. 

Obs.  This  variety  is  well  characterized  by  the  globular  shapes  of 
the  masses,  and  their  dark,  rough,  exteriors. 

Local.  It  is  found  in  vast  abundance,  in  Egypt,  between  Grand 
Cairo  and  the  Red  Sea. 

Var.  4. — PORCELAIN  JASPER. 

Jasper  Porcellanite,  H.  Porcellanite,  A    C.     Porcelain  Jasper,  P. 

Ext.  Char. — Colors,  grey,  or  bluish  grey,  mixed  with 
red,  or  yellowish,  bluish,  and  brick  red,  variously  in- 
termixed in  spots,  clouds,  or  dots ;  occurs  massive ; 
structure  sometimes  slaty ;  fracture  imperfectly  con- 
choidal ;  lustre  glistening,  with  the  aspect  of  certain 
porcelains  ;  scratches  glass  ;  opake ;  brittle ;  softer 
than  the  other  varieties  :  sp.  gr.  2.6. 

Chem.    Char.  Fusible  into  a  black  scoria. 

Comp.  Silex  60.  75  ;  alumine  27.  25  ;  potash  3.  66 ;  magnesia  3. 
00  ;  oxide  of  iron  2.  50  — Rose. 

Obs.  It  is  found  in  the  vicinity  of  coal  mines,  which  have  once 
been  in  a  state  of  combustion  ;  and  is  considered  as  shale  altered 
by  heat.  In  some  specimens,  there  are  evident  marks  of  vitrifica- 
tion. 

Local.  Mount  Brassat  in  France;  and  at  Madely,  Dudley,  and 
Staffordshire  in  England. 

Var.  5. — RUIN  JASPER. 

Ext.  Char. — Colors  various,  but  generally  the  ground 
is  some  tint  of  brown,  with  different  colored  delinea- 
tions resembling  ruined  buildings;  nearly  or  quite 
opake. 


HORNSTONE.      SILICIOUS    SINTER.  21 

When  ground  and  polished,  it  is  sometimes*a  very  beautiful  min- 
eral. 

Species  11.— HORNSTONE. 

Quartz  agathe  grossier,  H.  Hornstone,  J.  A.  P.  C. 
Ext.  Char. — Color,  greyish  or  yellowish  white,  also 
with  shades  of  blue,  green,  or  brown;  occurs  in  mass- 
es, nodules,  and  amorphous  concretions;  transparent, 
passing  into  nearly  opake ;  lustre  glimmering  and 
somewhat  waxy ;  less  hard  than  quartz;  fracture  con- 
choidal  :  sp  gr.  2.6. 

Ckem.  Char.  Infusible,  but  turns  opake. 

Cwnp.  Silex  71.  #  ;  alumine  15.  3  ;  protoxide  of  iron  9. 3  ;  and  a 
trace  of  lirne — Faraday. 

Dist.  Char.  It  resembles  compact  felspar,  and  petro  silex,  but  they 
are  both  fusible.  It  is  less  hard  than  flint,  and  commonly  of  a  higher 
color  Jasper  is  opake. 

Obs.  Hornstone  is  sometimes  pseudomorpheus. 

Wood-Hornsto?ie,  is  wood  petrified  by  hornstone.  It  has  the  form 
and  texture  of  wood. 

Hornstone  is  found  in  veins,  in  primitive  mountains,  also  in  nodules 
in  limestone. 

Local.  Bavaria,  in  limestone  ;  Sweden,  where  it  forms  the  basis  of 
porphyry,  and  in  most  other  countries. 

V.  S.  Middlebury,  Cornwall,  Bridport,  Orwell,  and  West  Haven, 
Ver.  Near  Saratoga  Springs  N.  Y  also  in  Albany  County,  at  Beth- 
lehem and  at  Bern  N.  Y.  West  side  of  the  Blue  Ridge,  contain- 
ing carbonate  of  copper,  and  near  Baltimore  Md.  West  Goshen  and 
Newlin,  Penn. 

Spe.    12.—SILICIOUS  SINTER. 

Quartz  hyalin  concretione,  H.  Silicious  Sinter,  J.  P  C. 
Ext.  Char. — Colors,  white,  greyish  white,  grey,  and 
yellowish  grey;  occurs  in  deposites  or  concretions 
more  or  less  porous  ;  texture  earthy  or  fibrous ;  frac- 
ture conchoidal  or  uneven  ;  lustre  glistening  or  pear- 
ly ;  translucent  or  opake  :  sp.  gr.  1 .8. 

Chem.  Char.  Infusible. 

Comp.  Silex  98;  alumine;  1.5;  iron  0.  5. — Klaprotli. 
Dist.  Char.  This  substance  resembles  common  opal,  but  is  less 
compact  and  has  less  lustre. 
Local.  Isle  of  France. 

Var.  1. OPALINE    SINTER. 

Ext.  Char. — Colors,  whitish,  with  brownish,  black- 
ish, or  bluish  spots  ;  fracture  imperfectly  conchoidal ; 


22  KARPHOLITE. 

lustre   glistening f  brittle;  translucent  on  the  edges; 
adheres  lo  the  tongue. 

Var.  2.—  PEARL  SINTER. 

Ext.  Char. — Colors,  white,  yellowish  white,  or  grey- 
ish ;  lustre,  externally  shining,  internally,  glistening 
and  pearly;  fracture  fine  grained,  flat  conchoidal; 
translucent  on  the  edges  ;  not  so  hard  as  quartz. 

Chem.  Char.  Infusible,  without  addition. 
Comp    Silex  95  ;  alumine  2 ;  lime  2. — Somerville. 
Obs.  It  is  considered  a  volcanic  production. 

Local.  Mount  Am rniatta  in  Italy,  near  Santa  Fiora.  It  is  some- 
times called  Fiorite. 

Var  3. — MICH  A  BUTE.     Webster. 

Ext.  Char. — It  occurs  in  masses,  composed  both  of 
delicate  and  coarse  fibres,  from  one  inch  to  four  inches 
long,  so  crossing  each  other  as  to  form  a  beautiful  net 
work.  The  cross  fracture  of  the  fibres  has  a  glisten- 
ing pearly  lustre.  Its  color,  rarely  snow-white,  is  usu- 
ally greyish  white,  sometimes  with  a  slight  shade  of 
brown,  or  red. 

Its  specific  gravity  is  1-  88. —  Cleveland. 

Comp.  Silex  33.  65 ;  water  ;  16.  35.—  Webster. 

Obs.  This  variety,  according  to  the  analysis  of  Dr.  Webster  of 
Cambridge  Mass,  is  a  hydrate  ofsilex.  He  tbund  it  at  the  Island  of 
St.  Michael,  and  hence  its  name. 

Silicious  Sinter,  is  a  deposite  from  the  water  of  hot  springs,  in  vol- 
canic countries.  The  waters  of  the  celebrated  Geysers  of  Iceland, 
deposit  vast  quantities  of  it,  and  even  incrust  wood,  grass,  leaves,  &c. 
with  a  coat  cf  silex. 

U.  S.     East-Haddam,  Conn. 

Species.    13.— KARPHOLITE. 

Karpholite.  W.  P.  <J. 

Ext.  Char. — Colors,  yellow  or  yellowish  white  ;  oc- 
curs in  minute  crystals  generally  radiating,  also  amor- 
phous, and  in  an  earthy  state  probably  from  decompo- 
sition ;  translucent ;  lustre,  glistening  and  pearly ; 
brittle  :  sp.  gr.  about  3. 

Chem.  Char.  Intumesces,  whitens  and  fuses  slowly  into  a  brown 
opake  glass. 

Comp.  Silex  37. 53 ;  alumine  26.  47;  oxide  of  iron  6.  27;  oxide 
of  manganese  18,  38.  Steinmann. 

Local.  Schlachenwalde  in  Bohemia. 


JEPFERSONITE.       JENITE.  23 

Species  14.— JEFFJvRSONITE.**  Keating. 

Jeffersonite,  P.  C,  Augite-Spai,  M. 

Ext.  Char. — Color,  dark  olive  green,  passing  into 
brown;  occurs  in  crystalline  masses;  translucent  on 
the  edges ;  cleavage  in  several  directions  which  ap- 
pear to  be  incompatible  with  each  other  ;  streak  light 
green;  lustre  on  the  planes  of  cleavage  semi-metallic, 
on  the  cross  fracture  resinous ;  hardness  equal  to  fluor : 
sp.  gr.  3.55. 

Chem.  Char.  Fusible  into  a  black  globule. 

Comp.  Silex  56 ;  lime  15.  I;  alumine02;  prot-oxide  of  manga- 
nese 13.  5  ;  peroxide  of  iron  10  ;  oxide  of  zinc  10.  Keating. 

Local  Franklin  Iron  works  N.  J.  in  small  masses,  imbedded  in 
Franklinite. 

Species  15.— JENITE.t    YENITE. 

Ext.  Char. — Colors,  brown,  or  brownish  black;  oc- 
curs amorphous,  and  in  prismatic  crystals  ;  form  the 
four-sided  prism,  terminated  by  four-sided  pyramids ; 
sometimes  the  prism  is  rhombic ;  also  in  eight-sided 
prisms  terminated  by  eight  sided  pyramids,  and  in 
fibrous  masses;  structure  foliated;  lustre  glistening 
and  resinous,  or  somewhat  metallic ;  opake  ;  scratches 
glass,  and  gives  sparks  with  steel :  sp.  gr.  about  4. 


Fig.  4. — A  four-sided  prism,  longitudinally  striated,  one  of  the 
common  forms. 

Chem.  Char. — Fusible  into  an  opate  black  globule,  which  is 
magnetic. 

Comp. — Silex  30 ;  oxide  of  iron  57.  5  ;  lime  12.  5.—  Vanque- 
lin. 

Dist.  Char. — Blende,  which  it  resembles  in  color,  is  infusible; 
hornblende,  and  epidote  are  of  less  specific  gravity. 

Local.  Elba  in  two  places,  Siberia  and  Norway.  It  is  found  with 
iron  ore,  augite,  and  epidote.  It  is  a  very  rare  mineral. 

*In  honor  of  Pres.  Jefferson 
1  IB  commemoration  of  the  battle  of  Jen*. 


24  GARNET. 

*  tipecies  16.— GARNET. 

Grenat,  H.     Dodecahedral  Garnet,  J.  M.     Garnet  P.  C. 
The  garnet  family  includes  several  species,  which  are  composed 
of  nearly  the  same  elements,  but  in  different  proportions.     All  the  va- 
rieties agree  in  occurring  in  dodecahedral  crystals,  when  crystalized 
at  all. 

Far.  1. — PRECIOUS  GARNET.  ALMANDINE. 
Ext.  Char. — Color,  red,  mixed  more  or  less  with  vio- 
let or  blue,  sometimes  blood,  or  cherry  red  ;  occurs  in 
crystals ;  form  the  dodecahedron,  with  its  varieties  5 
crystals  sometimes  flattened  into  tables;  also  granular; 
structure  imperfectly  lamellar;  lustre  shining  vitreous ; 
fracture  conchoidal ;  brittle  ;  translucent,  or  nearly 
transparent  •  scratches  quartz  :  sp.  gr.  4. 

Chem.  Char. — Fusible  into  a  black  globule  which  is  often  mag- 
netic. 

Comp.  Silex  35.  75  :  oxide  of  iron  30  ;  alumine  27.  25  ;  oxide  of 
manganese  0.  25. — Klaproth. 

Dist.  Char. — Spinelle  ruby,  which  it  resembles  in  color,  is  infu- 
sible :  Titanite,  which  often  closely  lesembles  garnet,  is  by  itself,  in- 
fusible and  its  crystalline  form  is  different.  Hyacinth  and  leucite 
are  both  infusible,  the  latter  i&  white. 

Almandine  is  found  in  primitive  rocks,  as  granite  and  mica 
slate. 

Local.  Pegu,  Bohemia,  Hungary,  Piedmont,  Siberia,  Alps, 
&c. 

The  most  beautiful  come  from  Sirian  the  capital  of  Pegu,  and  are 
called  Sirian  garnets. 

U.  S.  Hanover,  N.  H.  Bethel  and  Royalton,  Ver.  Goshen, 
Conn.  Newlin,  Penn. 

Obs.  1.  The  precious  garnet  is  cut  and  polished  for  jewelry, 
and  is  much  worn  at  the  present  day  for  ringstones,  breast-pins, 
&c. 

2.  When  set,  garnets  are  easily  distinguished  from  spinelle,  and 
red  sapphire,  by  their  more   intense  color,  turpidness,  ano  sombre 
aspect. 

3.  The  garnet  was  highly  esteemed  by  the  ancients  as  an  orna- 
mental stone,  under  the  name  of  carbuncle.     Some  beautiful  speci- 
mens of  ancient  skill  on  this  stone,   are  still  preserved.     The  Dog 
Sirius  engraved  on  the  precious  garnet,   is   said    to  be  the  greatest 
master-piece  existing,  in  point  or  deep  work  and  finish.     It  is  in  the 
collection  of  the  Duke  of  Marl  borough.     Among   the  more  modern 
works  on  this  stone  is  a  head  of  Louis  XIII,  preserved  in  the  Nation- 
al Museum,  at  Paris. 

Obs.  In  Bohemia,  garnets  are  obtained  by  a  regular  system  of  mi- 
ning, and  when  cut  and  polished,  constitute  an  article  of  commerce, 
by  which  an  extensive  class  of  people  are  maintained. 


GARNET.  25 

After  the  garnets  are  collected,  they  are  passed  through  vessels 
pierced  with  apertures  of  different  diameters,  by  which  means  they 
are  sorted  into  six  different  sizes.  Of  the  largest  size  it  takes  32  to 
weigh  an  ounce ;  of  the  next  about  40,  75,  110,  165,  256  and  400,  to 
an  ounce. 

The  art  of  cutting  and  boring  these  stones  occupies  a  great  num- 
ber of  men. 

The  boring  is  done  with  a  diamond  fixed  to  the  end  of  a  small  rod 
of  metal.  The  garnet  being  properly  placed  and  fixed,  it  is  bored  by 
turning  the  diamond  with  a  bow  and  string.  A  workman  can  pierce 
150  per  day. 

The  large  pyrope  garnets  are  cut  and  polished  on  a  disc  of  sand- 
stone with  emery.  Of  these  a  workman  will  finish  30  per  day. 

This  art  is  carried  to  very  great  perfection  in  Bohemia.  In  the 
town  of  Wa!dkirck,  alone,  there  are  no  less  than  24  mills,  and  140 
master-workmen,  occupied  in  manufacturing  this  article  of  com- 
merce.— Rees*  Cyclop. 

Var.  2.     COMMON  GARNET. 

Grenat  Brun,  &c.  H.  Common  Garnet,  J.  A.  P.  C. 
Ext.  Char. — Colors,  red,  yellowish  red,  brownish 
red,  or  dark  brown  ;  occurs  crystallized  and  massive  ; 
form  the  dodecahedron,  with  its  modifications  ;  opake, 
or  feebly  translucent  ;  structure  lamellar,  or  granular; 
fracture  uneven ;  lustre  glistening ;  brittle  ;  less  hard 
than  the  precious  garnet :  sp.  gr.  3.69.  to  3.76. 


Fig  5.  The  dodecahedron  with  rhombic  faces  which  is  the  prim* 
itive  form,  and  is  the  most  common  form  under  which  the  garnet  ap- 
pears. 

Fig.  6.  The  same,  with  the  edges  truncated. 

Fig.  7.  A  solid  with  twenty-four  trapezoidal  faces,  forming  the  tra- 
pezoidal garnet,  a  form  under  which  it  sometimes  appears. 

Obs.  The  garnet  sometimes  has  36,  48,  or  even  60  faces. 

Chem.  Char.  Fusible  with  more  ease  than  the  precious  garnet,  intp 
a  black,  or  greenish  glass. 

Chem.  Char.  Silex  43;  alumine  16;  lime  20;  oxide  of  iron 
16 , —  Vauqmlin 

Obs.  It  is  a  curious  circumstance  that  the  precious  garnet  should 
be  nearly  transparent,  with  almost  40  per  cent  of  iron,  while  the  pre- 
sent variety  is  opake,  with  only  16  per  cent  of  the  same  metal. 

Dint  Char.  It  differs  from  the  precious  garnet  in  being  opake, 
darker  colored,  more  easily  fusible,  and  not  so  hard. 

4 


26  GARNET. 

It  is  mostly  found  in  primitive  rocks. 

Local.  The  common  garnet  is  found  in  almost  every  section  of 
country  where  primitive  rocks  occur.  Its  foreign  localities  are  too 
numerous  to  mention. 

U.  S.  Haddam,  Chatham,  Bolton,  and  Washington,  Conn.  New- 
bury,  Bedford,  Plainfield,  and  Cummington,  Ver.  Interior  of  North 
Carolina,  as  large  as  a  child's  head. —  Maclvre  Barren-Hills,  Pa.  in 
dodecahedrons  with  truncated  edges,  sometimes  five  inches  in  diam- 
eter.— Morton.  Brunswick  and  Topsham,  Maine. 

Var.  3. — PYROPE. 

Grenat  granuliforme,  H.  Pyrope,  A.  P.  C. 
Ext.  Char. — Color  red,  often  dark  blood  red,  with  a 
tinge  of  yellow,  by  the  transmitted  light  ;  occurs  in 
rounded,  angular  grains,  but  never  in  crystals  ;  trans- 
parent, or  translucent ;  lustre  splendent,  vitreous ;  frac- 
ture conchoidal ;  scratches  quartz :  sp.  gr.  3.9. 

Chem.  Char.     Fusible  into  a  black  glass  ;  tinges  borax  green. 

Comp.  Silex40  ;  alumine28  5;  magnesia  10;  oxide  of  iron  and 
manganese  16.  75—Klaproth 

Dist.  Char.  Differs  from  the  other  varieties,  in  never  occuring  in 
crystals.  When  polished,  its  yellowish  tinge  and  greater  transpar- 
ency distinguishes  it  from  aJmandine. 

It  is  found  hi  serpentine,  and  alluvial  deposites. 

Local.  Saxony,  and  Bohemia  ;  also  at  Ely  in  Scotland. 

V.  S.  Chester  county,  Pa.     Its  color  is  fine  dark  red. — Lea. 

Obs.  Werner  considered  the  present  variety,  as  nearly  allied  to 
the  pyrope  of  the  ancients,  mentioned  by  the  same  name  by  Pliny, 
and  Ovid, 

Var.  4.     PYRENITE.* 
Pyrenite,  J.  P.  C. 

Ext.  Char. — Color,  black  or  greyish  black ;  occurs 
in  minute  rhombic  dodecahedrons,  and  more  rarely, 
massive  ;  lustre  glistening,  vitreous ;  opake ;  hard : 
sp.  gr.  2.5. 

Chem.  Char.  Melts  easily  into  a  porous  black  slag. 
Comp    Differs  little  from  common  garnet. 
Local.  Pyrennees  Mountains. 

Var.  5     GROssuLAR.f 

Ext.  Char. — Color,  green,  of  several  shades  ;  occurs 
in  crystals  of  the  same  form  as  common  garnet ;  trans- 
lucent ;  faces  of  the  crystals  smooth  and  shining:  sp. 
gr-  3.37.  

*From  the  Pyrennees,  where  it  occurs. 
fFrencb,  Goosbury,  from  its   green  color] 


GARNET.  27 

Comp.  Silex  44  ;  alumine  8.  50;  lime  33.  50  j  oxide  of  iron  12. — 
Klaproth. 

Local  Siberia. 

Var.  6.     APLOMB. 
Aplome,  H.     Aplorae,  P. 

Ext.  Char. — Colors,  deep  brown,  or  orange  brown  ; 
occurs  in  rhombic  dodecahedrons,  the  faces  of  which 
are  striated  parallel  to  their  shorter  diagonals  ;  fracture 
uneven  ;  scratches  quartz  ;  nearly  opake :  sp.  gr.  3.44. 

Chem.  Char.     Fusible  into  a  black  glass. 

Comp.  Silex  40 ;  alumine  20  ;  lime  14.  5;  oxide  of  iron  14.  5. 
oxide  of  manganese  2. — Laugier. 

Dist.  Char.  The  direction  of  its  striae  differs  from  those  of  com- 
mon garnet,  and  its  specific  gravity  is  less ;  in  other  respects  they 
are  much  alike. 

Local.  Siberia,  and  probably  in  Saxony. 

Var.  7.      MANGANESIAN  GARNET. 

Garnet  M  anganesie,  Bt.     Manganesian  Garnet,  P. 
Ext.  Char. — Colors,  deep  hyacinth,  or  brownish  red ; 
occurs  in  dodecahedral  crystals  and  massive  5  fracture 
imperfectly  conchoidal ;  lustre  vitreous. 

Chem  Char,  Fusible  alone ;  with  borax  and  nitre,  gives  a  violet 
globule. 

Comp.  Silex  35  ;  alumine  14  j  oxide  of  manganese  35 ;  oxide  of 
iron  14. — Klaproth. 

Remark.  It  is  singular  that  a  substance  differing  so  much  in  com- 
position, from  common  garnet,  should  take  its  form  and  color. 

Local.  Franconia. 

U.  S.  Nine  miles  from  Philadelphia,  Penn.  in  masses  from  I 
pound  to  100  pounds. — Jessup.  Corlear's  Hook,  N.  Y.  Jones'  Eddy, 
near  Bath,  Maine. 

Var  8.     MELANITE. 
Grenat  noir,  H.     Melanite,  J  A.  P.  C. 

Ext.  Char. — Colors,  black  or  greyish  black  ;  occurs 
in  rhombic  dodecahedrons ;  often  with  truncated  edg- 
es ;  fracture  imperfectly  conchoidal ;  lustre  shining 
and  resinous ;  opake  :  sp.  gr.  3.7. 

Chem.  Char.  Fusible  into  a  brilliant  black  globule. 

Comp.  Silex  35  ;  alumine  6 ;  lime  32 ;  oxide  of  iron  25  ;  oxide 
of  manganese  0.  4. — Klaproth. 

Local.  Near  Vesuvius  in  Italy.  Bohemia,  and  in  the  iron  mines 
of  Lapmark. 

U.  S.  Germantown,  Penn.  in  gneiss ;  also  at  Morris*  Hill,  near 
the  Philadelphia  water  woiks. 


28  GARNET. 

Var.  9.     ALLOCHROITE.* 
Allochroite.  H.  J.  P.  C. 

Ext.  Char. — Colors,  yellowish  brown,  brownish  grey, 
greenish,  or  reddish  ;  occurs  amorphous  ;  structure 
slaty  ;  fracture  uneven  ;  lustre  feeble  ;  translucent  or 
opake  ;  not  so  hard  as  quartz  :  sp  gr.  3.5  to  3.7. 

Cfiem.  Char.  Fusible  into  a  brilliant  black  globule  ;  with  borax  into 
a  green  glass,  which  goes  through  several  changes  of  color  as  it 
cools. 

Comp.  Silex  35 ;  alumine  8  ;  lime  30.5  ;  oxide  of  iron  17 ;  oxide 
of  manganese  3.5  ;  carbonate  of  lime  6. — Vauquetin. 

Local.  Dandrada,  in  Norway,  in  an  iron  mine. 

U.  S.     Near  Baltimore,  Md. 

Var.   10.       COLOPHONITE.t 

Grenat  Resinite,  H.     Colophonite,  J.  P.  C. 

Ext.  Char. — Colors,  blackish  or  yellowish  brown  ; 
brownish  black,  or  greenish  ;  occurs  in  grains  or  in 
masses,  composed  of  grains  slightly  adhering  ;  also  in 
rhombic  dodecahedrons ;  opake  or  slightly  translu- 
cent ;  aspect  resinous,  and  often  beautifully  irrides- 
cent :  sp.  gr.  4. 

Chem  Char.  Infusible,  but  turns  black;  with  borax  gives  a  green 
•glass. 

Comp.  Silex  38;  lime  29  ;  alumine  6;  protoxide  of  iron  25.20  ; 
water  0.33 — Scybert. 

This  specimen  was  from  Willsborough  N.  Y. 

Local  Arundel  in  Norway,  in  a  bed  of  magnetic  iron  ;  also  in 
Ceylon  and  Italy. 

U  S  Willsborough,  N  Y.  It  forms  a  vein  5  feet  wide,  in  a 
hornblende  rock,  and  is  so  plentiful  that  by  blasting,  hundreds  of  tons 
may  be  obtained.  It  is  easily  distinguishable  from  all  other  miner- 
als, by  the  variety  and  brilliancy  of  its  colors,  and  by  its  peculiar  res- 
inous aspect.  It  is  composed  of  small  distinct  concretions,  which 
may  often  be  separated,  even  by  shaking  it  in  the  hand. — Hall. 

Var.  11.     TOPAZOLITE.J: 
Topazolite,  Bonvoisin,  P.  C. 

Ext.  Char. — Colors,  topaz  yellow,  or  greenish  ;  oc- 
curs in  dodecahedrons  ;  transparent  or  translucent. 

Comp.  Silex  37  ;  alumine  2 ;  lime  29 ;  glucine  4 ;  iron  25 ;  man- 
ganese 2. — Bonvoisin. 

Local.  Mussa,  in  Piedmont. 

*Frow  the  Greek,  in  allusion  to  its  change  of  color  as  it  copls. 
fFrom  i  h»-  Greek,  signifying  resin  colored. 
JFrom  its  being  similar  in  color  to  topaz. 


CINNAMON  STONE.       IDOCRASE.  29 

Far.  12.     SUCCINITE.* 

Ext. Char. —  Color,  amber  yellow;  translucent;  oc- 
curs in  globular  masses  of  the  size  of  a  pea  ;  does  not 
scratch  glass ;  brittle. 

Obs.  It  is  probably  a  variety  of  topazolite. 

Local.  Piedmont,  in  serpentine. 

Species  17.     CINNAMON  STONE. t 

Prismatic  Garnet,  J.  Cinnamon  Stone,  P.  C.  Essonite,  H.  M. 
Ext.  Char. — Colors,  red,  brownish  red,  yellowish 
brown,  and  orange ;  occurs  in  fissile  masses,  and  in 
splintery  fragments  ;  transparent  or  translucent ;  frac- 
ture imperfectly  con^hoidal ;  lustre  shining,  resinous ; 
sometimes  occurs  in  dodecahedral  crystals ;  scratches 
quartz  slightly  :  sp.  gr.  3.6. 

Chem.  Char.  Fusible,  with  ebullition  into  dark  green  translucent 
glass. 

Comp.  Silex  38,8;  alumine  21.2;  lime  31.  25;  oxide  of  iron 
G&.—Klaproth. 

Dist.  Char.  The  fusible  varieties  of  garnet  melt  into  dark  opake 
globules,  and  are  generally  crystallized.  The  present  species  is  trans- 
lucent when  melted  and  is  rarely  found  in  crystals. 

Local.  Ceylon,  in  the  sands,  and  in  Brazil. 

U.  8.  Roxborough,  Mass. — Nuttall 

Var.  1.       ROMANZOVITE. 

Ext.  Char. — Colors,  brown,  brownish  black,  or  black; 
occurs  compact  or  in  crystalline  plates,  which  indicate 
the  dodecahedron  ;  fracture  conehoidal ;  lustre  oily  ; 
scratches  glass ;  brittle ;  streak  yellow :  sp.  gr.  3.60. 

Chem.  Char.  Fusible  into  a  dark  globule. 

Comp.  Silex  41.  2  ;  alumine  24.  1 ;  lime  24.  8  ;  oxide  of  iron  7. 
02  ;  magnesia  and  oxide  of  manganese  0.  92  ;  loss  1.  98. — Norden- 
skiold. 

Local. — Kimito  in  Finland,  in  limestone. 

Species  IS.     IDOCRASE.J     VESUVIAN.§ 

Idocrase,  H.     Pyramidal  Garnet,  J.     Vesuvian,   W.     Idocrase.  A. 

P.  C. 

Ext.  Char. — Colors,  yellowish  or  brownish  green, 
reddish  yellow  or  blackish  brown  ;  occurs  massive, 
but  more  commonly  in  crystals ;  form  the  four-sided 

*Succinum  Jimber.  Lat.    It  is  of  an  amber  yellow. 

fFrom  its  color  being  that  of  cinnamon. 

J/rfocra.ve,  a  mixed  figure,  in  allusion  to  its  form, 

§  Fesuw'an,  because  H  was  found  at  Vesuvius. 


30 


IDOCRASE. 


prism,  terminated  by  four-sided  pyramids,  or  it  some- 
times assumes  an  eight-sided  prism,  by  truncation  of 
the  lateral  edges  of  the  four-sided  prism;  the  angles  of 
the  summits  being  also  truncated  ;  cleavage  parallel 
to  all  the  planes  of  the  prism ;  cross  fracture  small 
conchoidal;  scratches  felspar;  transparent  or  trans- 
lucent: sp.  gr.  3. 


"  Fig.  8.  A  right  four-sided  prism,  with  a  square  base.  This  is  the 
primitive  form. 

Fig.  9.  The  four-sided  prism  with  the  lateral  edges  truncated, 
forming  an  eight-sided  prism,  with  unequal  sides.  The  edges  of  the 
summits  are  also  truncated. 

Fig.  10.  The  same  form  differently  modified  by  truncation. 

Chem.  Char.  Fusible  with  ebullition   into  a  translucent  glass. 

Comp.  (That  of  Vesuvius)  Silex  35.50 ;  alumine  33 ;  lime  22, 
25  ;  oxide  of  iron  7.  50. — Klaproth. 

Dist.  Char.  Pargasite,  which  it  resembles,  has  not  its  translucen- 
cy,  and  fuses  into  a  white  enamel.  Grossular,  the  variety  of  garnet 
which  it  most  resembles  in  color,  occurs  in  dodecahedrons.  Olivine 
and  chysolite  are  infusible.  Epidote,  which  resembles  it  in  crystal- 
line form  and  color,  wants  its  transparency,  and  is  only  fusible  in 
part. 

It  is  found  both  in  volcanic,  and  in  primitive  rocks. 

Local.  Vesuvius  and  Etna,  Siberia,  Piedmont,  St  Gothard,  Nor- 
way. 

U.  S.  Worcester,  Mass,  in  four-sided  prisms,  of  a  brown  color — 
Meade.  Salisbury,  Conn.—Silliman.  Cumberland,  R.  I. — Robin- 
son. 

Uses.  At  Naples  it  is  cut  into  ring  stones,  and  sold  under  various 
names,  as  chrysolite,  hyacinth,  &c — Jameson. 

Var.  1.     EGERAN. 

Ext.  Char. — Color,  deep  brown  ;  occurs  in  crystals  in 
the  form  of  right  four-sided  prisms,  with  the  lateral 
edges  sometimes  truncated ;  crystals  deeply  striated ; 
translucent ;  lustre  shining  vitreous.  It  also  occurs 
massive,  composed  of  primitive  concretions ;  scratches 
felspar :  sp.  gr.  3.29. 

Chem.  Char.  Fusible,  into  a  blebby  glass. 


GEHLENITE.       PREHNITE.  "31 

Comp.  Silex  41  ;  alumine  22 ;  lime  22  ;  iron  6 ;  manganese  2 ; 
potash  1 — Borkowski. 

Local.  Eger,  in  Bohemia,  hence  the  name. 

Species.  19.    GEHLENITE* 

Ext  Char. — Color,  grey,  with  a  greenish  or  yellowish 
tinge;  occurs  in  rectangular  crystals,  nearly  in  form  of 
a  cube,  also  tabular  ;  surfaces  rough  and  dull ;  nearly 
opake  ;  fracture  uneven,  splintery ;  scratches  glass  ; 
structure  imperfectly  foliated ;  crystals  commonly  ag- 
gregated :  sp.  gr.  3. 

Chem.  Char.  Suffers  no  change,  without  a  flux.  With  borax, 
melts  into  a  brownish  glass. 

Comp  Silex  29.  5  ;  alumine  14  5  ;  lime  27.  55  ;  oxide  of  iron 
12.  2  ;  water  6. ;  magnesia  0.  25 ;  potash  and  loss  10. — Fuchs. 

Local.  Fassa  in  the  Tyrol. 

Speeies  20.     PREHNITE.f 

Prenite,  H.  Prismatic  Prehnite,  J.  Prehnite  A.  P.  C.     Prismatic 
Triphane-Spar,  M. 

Ext.  Char. — Colors,  pale  green,  or  greenish  white  ; 
occurs  in  crystalline  masses  of  a  fibrous  radiating  struc- 
ture ;  also  in  distinct  crystals,  with  four,  six,  or  eight 
sides,  and  of  a  tabular  form ;  translucent;  in  thin  pieces 
transparent ;  fracture  splintery ;  lustre  shining ; 
scratches  glass  :  sp.  gr.  from  2.6.  to  3.1. 

C'iem.  Char.  Fusible,  with  intumescence,  into  a  pale  porous  glass. 
Eleotric  by  heat. 

Comp.  Silex  48.  8  ;  alumine  30.  33  :  lime  18.  33 ;  oxide  of  iron 
5.  66 ;  water  1.  88.—Klaproth. 

Dist.  Char.  Beryl,  which  it  resembles  in  color,  is  much  harder 
and  infusible  ;  stilbit^  never  has  the  green  tinge  of  prehnite.  Zeo- 
lite forms  a  jelly  with  acids,  and  from  felspar  it  differs  entirely,  in 
structure. 

Obs.  Prehnite,  though  always  the  result  of  crystallization,  often 
appears  massive  in  consequence  of  the  close  and  confused  aggrega- 
tion of  its  crystals.  It  generally  consists,  on  one  side,  of  tuberose, 
warty  excrescences,  composed  of  minute  crystals,  with  shining  faces, 
or  of  grannular  concretions  composed  of  radiating  fibrous  crystals, 
joined  together.  The  other  side  of  the  mass  or  crust,  is  generally 
corroded  and  black. 

*  Yfter  the  chemist,  Gehlen. 

t  la  honour  $f  Colonel  Prehn,  its  discoverer. 


32  STILBITB. 

Var.  1.     KAUPHOLITE.* 
Fibrous  Prehnite,  J.     Koupholite,  P.  C. 
Ext.  Char. — Color,  white  or  yellowish  white ;  occurs 
crystallized  in  small   rhombic   tables ;    transparent ; 
lustre  glistening  and  pearly. 


Fig.  11.     A  rhomboidal  plate,  the  common  form. 

Comp.  Silex  48;  alumine  24  ;  lime  23;  oxide  of  iron  4. — Fau- 
quelin. 

Obs.  Prehnite  is  found  chiefly  in  secondary  rock,  as  amygdaloid, 
greenstone,  hornblende  rock,  &c. 

Local  Cape  of  Good  Hope,  where  it  was  first  discovered  by  Col. 
Prehn ;  Tuscany,  Tyrol,  many  places  in  Scotland,  and  in  England. 

U.  S.  Scotch  Plains,  Patterson,  and  near  Newark,  N.  J.  At 
the  latter  place,  masses  are  found  near  a  foot  in  diameter. —  Torrey. 
Staten  Island,  N.  Y.  New  Haven,  Berlin,  Woodbury,  Simsbury, 
Granby,  Farmington,  Hartford  and  Windsor,  Conn.  Brookfield,  Wa- 
tertown,and  Charlestown,  Mass.  At  the  latter  place,  in  hexagonal 
tables. —  Waterhouse.  Bellows  Falls,  Ver. 

Species  21.— STILBITE.f 

Stilbite,  H.     Radiated  Zeolite,  J.     Stilbite,  P.  C.     Prismatoidal 
Kouphone  Spar.    M. 

Ext.  Char. — Colors,  white,  grey,  yellowish,brownish5 
orange  red,  and  brick  red ;  occurs  crystallized  in  the 
form  of  four-sided  prisms,  which  is  the  primitive  form ; 
also  variously  modified  by  truncation.  Sometimes  it  is 
compressed  into  the  form  of  a  table,  and  sometimes  it 
assumes  the  form  of  a  six-sided  prism.  It  terminates 
in  four-sided  pyramids,  often  with  truncated  angles  : 
translucent,  or  transparent ;  structure  foliated  in  one 
direction  ;  yields  to  the  knife  ;  lustre  pearly  ;  crystals 
sometimes  slender  and  fasciculated :  sp.  gr.  2.5. 


Fig  12.     A  four-sided  prism/terminated  by  four-sided  pyramids, 


*  From  the  Greek,  signifying  a  light  stone, 
t  A  peculiar  lustre. 


HEULANDITE.       ZEOLITE.  33 

the  faces  of  which,  are  set  on  the  angles  of  the  prism.     This  is  a 
common  form. 

Chem.  Char.  Fusible  into  a  blebby,  colorless  glass. 

Comp.  Silex  50.24;  alumine  29.3;  lime  9.46;  water  10.— 
Vauquelin. 

Dist.  Char.  Zeolite,  which  it  resembles,  forms  a  jelly  with  acids, 
and  becomes  electric  by  heat.  Prehnite  is  harder  than  stilbite,  and 
has  not  its  pearly  lustre.  Stilbite  is  foliated,  which  is  not  the  case 
with  prehnite. 

Stilbite  is  found  in  the  fissures  of  primitive  rocks.  It  is  also  associated 
with  zeolite,  chabaise,  and  carbonate  of  lime,  in  secondary  rocks. 

Local  Dauphiny,  of  a  pale  straw  color.  Arendal  in  Norway. 
Iceland.  Scotland.  Giant's  Causeway,  and  in  the  Faroe  Islands. 

U.  S.  Wood  bury,  Conn.  Deerfield,  Mass,  associated  with  cha- 
baise.— Hitchcock.  Scotch  Plains  N.  J.  in  four-sided  prisms,  and 
six-sided  tables. — Pierce.  Torrey.  West  Farms,  N.  ¥.  pale  and 
deep  red. 

Species  22.     HEULANDITE. 

Heulandite. — Brooke.     Foliated  Zeolite,  J.     Hemi-Prismatic  Kou- 
phone-Spar,  M. 

Ext.  Char. — Colors,  white,  yellowish  white,  brownish, 
red,  and  sometimes  colorless ;  occurs  crystallized  in 
the  form  of  a  right  ohlique  angled  prism,  (two  of  its  op- 
posed lateral  planes  being  longer  than  the  other  two,) 
generally  modified  by  truncation ;  faces  bright  and 
shining ;  lustre  pearly ;  translucent  or  transparent ; 
brittle. 

Chem.  Char.  Fusible,  with  phosphorescence  into  a  porous  glass. 

Comp.  Silex  52.6;  alumine  17.5  ;  lime  9  ;  water  18.5. — Fauquelin. 

Dist.  Char.  It  does  not  form  a  jelly  with  acids,  like  zeolite.  Its 
crystalline  form  differs  from  that  of  stilbite. 

Local.  Faroe  Isles,  Giant's  Causeway  ;  Tyrol  and  Norway. 

Remark.  This  mineral  was  considered  as  a  variety  of  zeolite,  by 
Werner  and  Jameson,  and  a  variety  of  stilbite,  by  Hauy. 

V.  S.  Chesterfield,  Mass,  associated  with  stilbite  and  chabaise. 
Distinguished  by  its  superior  pearly  lustre.  Chester,  Mass. 

Species  23.     Z  KOLITE.     MEZOTYPE. 

Mesotype,  H.  A.  P.     Prismatic  Zeolite,  J.     Zeolite,  C.    Prisma- 
tic Kouphone-Spar,  M. 

Ext.  Char. — Colors,  white,  sometimes  shaded  with 
yellow,  grey,  or  red  ;  occurs  in  masses  and  in  crystals ; 
form  the  four-sided  prism  terminated  by  four-sided 
pyramids ;  but  more  commonly  it  is  found  in  masses 
composed  of  radiating  fibres,  or  in  fasciculated  minute 
crystals  of  a  stellular  aspect.  Sometimes  the  crystals 

5 


34  ZEOLITE. 

are  so  broad  as  to  give  a  foliated  appearance ;  fracture 
splintery ;  lustre  pearly  or  silky ;  translucent,  some- 
times nearly  transparent;  scratches  carbonate  of  lime  : 
sp.  gr.  2. 

Chem.  Char.  Fusible,  with  intumescence,  and  phosphorescence  in- 
to a  spongy  enamel.  Phillips  says,  fusible  without  intumescence. 
It  forms  a  jelly  with  nitric  acid.  The  proportion  of  acid  should  be 
small. 

Comp.  Silex  54.24;  alumine  293;  lime  9.46  ;  water  10.— Vau- 
guelin.  Tennant  found  17,  and  Gehlen  15  per  cent,  of  soda.  Pos- 
sibly these  gentlemen  analysed  different  minerals. 

I)ist.  Char  In  its  radiated  structure,  zeolite  closely  resembles 
prehnite,  but  differs  from  it  in  color,  hardness,  and  lustre.  Stilbite  is 
foliated.  Chabaise  is  crystallized  in  cubes,  and  from  all  these  as  well 
as  from  analcime,  harrnotome,  and  heulandite,  it  may  be  known  by 
its  forming  a  jelly  with  nitric  acid. 

Obs.  Zeolite  is  often  found  in  thin  fibrous  coats  investing  other 
minerals. 

Var.     1.        MESOLITE.       NEEDLESTONE, 

Mesolite,  Fucks  and  Gehlen.  Mesolite,  P.  C. 
Ext.  Chnr. — Colors,  white  or  greyish  white,  or  color- 
less ;  occurs  in  long  slender  prisms,  terminated  by  four- 
sided  pyramids  ;  crystals  often  radiate  from  a  centre ; 
lustre  pearly ;  resembles  zeolite,  except  in  the  dis- 
tinctness and  length  of  the  crystals. 

Chem.  Char.  Becomes  opake,  curls,  and  then  melts  into  a  porous 
bead. 

Comp.  Silex  45.8  ;  alumine  26.50 ;  lime  9.87 ;  soda  5.40  ;  water 
1230.—  Berzelius. 

Local.  Pargas,  in  Finland.  Iceland,  Faroe  Islands,  and  in  the 
Tyrol. 

Var.  2.     NATROLITE. 
Natrolithe,  H.     Natrolite,  A.  P  C. 

Ext.  Char. — Colors,  white,  yellowish  white,  or  red- 
dish  brown,  disposed  in  alternate  zones  around  the 
-centre  ;  occurs  inmammillary  masses  composed  of  di- 
verging fibres ;  lustre  pearly  or  dull  :  sp.  gr.  2.2. 

Chem.  Char.     Before  the  blow-pipe,  behaves  like  Zeolite. 

Comp.  Silex  48  ;  alumine  24.25 ;  soda  16.5  ;  water  9  ;  oxide  of 
iron  1.75. — Klaproth. 

Local.  Near  the  lake  of  Constance.  In  Scotland,  and  in  Sua- 
bia. 

Var.  3.       MEALY    ZEOLITE. 

Ext.  CAar.—Colors,  white,  yellowish  grey,  or  reddish; 


WERNERITE.  35 

occurs  in  dull  friable  masses,  or  in  thin  coats  on  other 
minerals ;  fracture  earthy. 
It  is,  probably  zeolite  in  a  decomposing  state. 

Var.  4. — THOMSONITE.* 
Thomsonite, — Brooke,  P.  C. 

Ext.  Char. — Colors,  white  and  translucent ;  in  thin 
pieces  transparent ;  occurs  in  radiating  fibrous  masses, 
in  the  cavities  of  which  are  sometimes  formed  crystals, 
in  form  of  a  right  prism,  with  square  bases. 

Chem.  Char.  Infusible,  but  swells,  curls,  and  becomes  snow  white, 
and  opake,  and  loses  13  per  cent,  of  its  weight. 

Comp  Silex  36  8  ;  alumine3l  36;  lime  15.4  ;  magnesia  0.2;  pe- 
roxide of  iron  0.6  ;  water  13. —  Thomson. 

Remark.  Phillips  has  made  a  species  of  Thomsonite,  but  it  is  evi- 
dently a  variety  of  zeolite. 

Zeolite  is  found  in  secondary  rocks,  as  basalt,  greenstone,  por- 
phyry, and  amygdaloid.  It  occurs  in  fcmall  masses,  or  investing 
these  minerals  in  thin  coats.  Sometimes  it  runs  in  veins,  but  is 
seldom  more  than  half  an  inch,  or  an  inch  thick.  It  is  associated  with 
prehnite,  stilbite,  analcime,  calcareous  spar,  &c. 

Local.  Scotland,  England,  Faroe  Islands,  Brittanny,  Tyrol,  &c. 

U.  S.  Near  New  Haven,  Con.  in  secondary  greenstone. — Silli- 
man.  Patterson  and  Scotch  Plains,  N.  J.  in  four-sided  prisms.  Deer- 
field,  Mass,  in  radiated  masses. — Hitchcock.  At  Jones'  Falls,  Md. 
Near  Philadelphia.  Near  Baltimore,  Md.  in  quadrangular  prisms. — 
Gilmor. 

Species  24.     WERNERITE. 

Wernerite,  H.  P.     Pyramidal  Felspar  or  Scapolite,  J.     Scapolite,  C. 
Pyramidal  Feld-Spar,  M. 

Ext.  Char. — Colors,  greenish  grey,  olive  green,  bluish 
green,  and  greyish  white  ;  occurs  massive  and  crystal- 
lized in  eight-sided  prisms,  terminated  by  four-sided 
pyramids  ;  lustre  glistening  or  shining ;  structure  folia- 
ted ;  translucent  or  transparent ;  crystals  often  long  and 
deeply  striated  ;  the  massive  is  composed  of  parallel 
or  diverging  crystals  ;  fracture  splintery ;  fragments 
angular  ;  scratches  glass  :  sp.  gr.  2.5. 

Chem.  Char.  Fusible,  with  intumescence,  into  a  white  shining  en- 
amel. 

Comp.  Silex  40  ;  alumine  34  ;  lime  16 ;  oxide  of  iron  8  ;  oxide  of 
manganese  1.5. — John. 

Local.  Buoen,  in  Norway.     Ulrica,  in  Sweden. 

*  In  honor  of  Dr.  Thomson. 


36  ZO1SITE. 

Var.  1.     SCAPOLITE. 

Paranthine,  H.  Foliated  Fcapolite,  J.  Scapolite,  P.  C. 
Ext.  C'/k/r.— Colors,  grey,  white,  greenish  white,yellow~ 
ish,  and  greenish  grey;  occurs  massive  and  crystallized 
in  four  or  eight-sided  prisms,  terminated  by  four-sided 
pyramids ;  primitive  form,  a  right  four-sided  prism ; 
cleavage  parallel  to  the  sides,  terminal  planes,  and  both 
diagonals  of  a  square  prism  ;  crystals  long  and  often 
striated ;  sometimes  acicular  and  radiating,  but  more 
often  broad,  and  collected  into  groups  or  masses  ; 
structure  foliated;  translucent;  lustre  pearly  ;  scratch- 
es glass :  sp.  gr.  2.5. 

Chem.  Char.  Fusible,  with  intumescence  into  a  shining  white  en- 
amel. Liable  to  decomposition,  by  which  it  becomes  dull,  and  efflo- 
rescent. 

Comp.  Silex  45  ;  alumine  33 ;  lime  17.6;  potash  0.5 ;  soda  1.5; 
oxide  of  iron  and  manganese  1. — Laugier. 

Dist.  Char.  It  is  harder,  and  Jess  easily  fusible  than  zeolite,  or 
stilbite,  nor  is  it  like  these  soluble  in  acids.  Its  crystalline  form 
and  structure  will  distinguish  it  from  prehnite  arid  analcime.  Apo- 
phyllite  separates  into  flakes  in  acid,  which  scapolite  does  not. 

Local.  Arendal,  in  Norway,  with  oxide  of  iron.  In  various  places 
in  Sweden  and  Greenland. 

U.  8.  Bolton,  Mass,  color  white,  crystals  two  inches  long,  form 
four-sided  prisms. — Meade.  Near  Baltimore,  Md.  At  Cold  Spring, 
and  at  West  Point,  N.  Y. 

Remark.  The  external  characters  of  Wernerite  and  scapolite  are 
very  nearly  the  same,  and  with  the  exception  of  a  small  portion  of  al- 
kali in  the  Wernerite,  there  is  nearly  an  identity  of  composition. 
Cleveland  has  blended  the  descriptions  of  both  under  scapolite. 
Jameson  and  Phillips  make  them  separate  species.  The  alkali  has 
not  been  thought  a  sufficient  reason  for  separating  them,  and  scapo- 
lite has  therefore  been  placed  as  a  variety  of  Wernerite,  until  fur- 
ther analysis  shall  determine  its  place. 

Species  25.     ZOISITE. 

Zoisite,  J.  P.  A.  C. 

Ext.  Char. — Colors,  grey  or  greyish  yellow,  or 
brown  ;  occurs  in  rhombic  prisms,  which  are  compress- 
ed and  deeply  striated  longitudinally;  terminations 
commonly  incomplete.  It  also  occurs  massive ;  cleav- 
age parallel  to  the  sides  of  a  right  rhombic  prism  ; 
translucent ;  lustre  pearly ;  scratches  glass. 
Chem.  Char.  Fusible,  at  first  into  a  yellowish  transparent  glass,  but 


EP1DOTE. 


37 


iinally  into  a  vitreous  scoria ;  with  borax  swells,  and  melts  into  a 
vitreous  scoria. 

Comp.  Silex  45  ;  alumine  29  ;  lime  21  ;  oxide  of  iron  2.4. — Klap- 
roth. 

Dist.  Char.  It  resembles  epidote  and  tremolite  ;  but  the  first  gives 
a  colored  glass  with  borax,  and  the  second  melts  into  a  white  ena- 
mel. 

Local  Carinthia,  Franconia,  Bavaria,  and  Tyrol. 

U.  S.  East  Marlborough,  in  regular  tetrahedral  prisms.  Pittsfield, 
Mass.  Near  Philadelphia,  Penn.  Woodstock,  Ft. 

Species  26.     EPIDOTE. 

Prismatoidal  Augite,  J.      Prismatoidal  Augite- 
Spar,  M. 


Epidote,  H.  P.  C. 


Ext.  Char. — Colors,  yellowish,  bluish,  or  blackish 
green;  occurs  massive,  granular,  and  crystallized  in 
four,  six,  eight,  or  twelve-sided  prisms  ;  lustre  of  the 
massive,  glimmering,  of  the  crystals,  shining ;  translu- 
cent or  opake ;  fracture  of  the  massive,  uneven  and 
splintery ;  crystals  generally  grouped,  and  the  crystal- 
lization often  confused  ;  scratches  glass  :  sp.  gr.  3.15. 


\,rf/ 


Fig.  13.  A  four-sided  prism  with  truncated  edges,  and  terminated 
by  two  faces  standing  on  the  truncated  angles. 

Fig.  14.  A  four-sided  prism,  also  truncated  and  terminated  by 
four  planes  standing  obliquely  on  the  lateral  planes. 

Fig.  15.  A  six-sided  prism,  with  unequal  lateral  planes,  and  ter- 
minated by  two  unequal  faces. 

Chetn.  Char.  Turns  black,  the  sharp  angles  only  being  fusible  into 
a  shining  glass.  With  borax  slowly  fusible  into  a  greenish  transpa- 
rent glass. 

Com/?.  Silex  37  ;  alumine  21  ;  lime  15  ;  oxide  of  iron  24  ;  oxide 
of  manganese  15. — Vauquelin. 

Dist.  Char.  It  resembles  actynolite,  but  the  latter  turns  greyish 
white,  under  the  blowpipe.  This  difference  will  always  distinguish 
these  two  minerals,  provided  crystalline  fragments  of  each  be  taken. 
Hornblende  is  easily  fusible  into  a  back  shining  globule.  Idocrase  is 
fusible  into  a  translucent  yellowish  glass.  Sahlite  whitens  and  be- 
comes glazed  with  a  yellowish  glass.  These  differences  will  distin- 
guish the  present  species. 


38  AXINITE. 

Far.  1.       MANGANESIAN  EPIDOTE. 

Epidote  manganesifere,  H.     Manganesian  Epidote,  P.  C.     Epidote 

Violet,  Bt. 

Ext.  Char. — Colors,  reddish  brown,  or  violet ;  occurs 
in  small  prismatic  crystals,  closely  aggregated  into 
groups ;  opake ;  yields  to  the  knife. 

Chem.  Char.  Fusible,  with  ease  into  a  black  glass  ;  with  borax  into 
a  transparent  glass. 

Comp.  It  contains  about  12  per  cent,  of  oxide  of  manganese. 
Local.  Piedmont,  in  gneiss,  with  quartz  and  asbesters. 

Far.  2.     GRANULAR  EPIDOTE.     SKORZA. 

Epidote  Arenace,  H.     Arenaceous  Epidote,   C.     Granular  Epidote. 

Skorza,  P. 

Ext.  Char. — Color,  yellowish  green ;  occurs  in  grains 
of  various  sizes,  and  appears  to  be  common  epidote 
disintegrated  and  reduced  to  grains  by  attrition. 

Comp.  Silex  43.0  ;  alumine  21 ;  lime  14  ;  oxide  16.5;  oxide  of  man- 
ganese 0.25. 

Local.  The  borders  of  the  river  Arangas,  in  Transylvania. 

Epidote  is  found  chiefly  in  primitive  rocks,  both  disseminated  and 
in  veins. 

Local.  Isere,  in  France.  Chamouni,  in  the  Alps.  Arendal,  in 
Norway,  crystals  an  inch  in  diameter.  England,  Scotland,  Ireland, 
&c. 

U.  S.  Middlebury  and  Chester,  Ver.  Near  Lake  George,  ,/V.  F. 
Cumberland,  R.  I.  Near  Baltimore,  Md.  Blue  Ridge,  Va.  Mil- 
ford,  Con.  Litchfield  and  Washington,  Con. ;  also  at  Haddam,  Say- 
brook,  and  Tolland,  Con.  Near  Boston.  Brighton, Dedham,&,c.  Mass. 
Also  at  Newbury,  in  large  crystals. —  Webster.  Franconia,  N.  H. 
NearNew-York ;  also  in  West-Chester,  and  in  the  Highlands,  N.  Y. 

Species  27.     AXINITE. 

Axinite,  H.  Prismatic  Axinite,  J.  M.  Axinite,  P.  C. 
Ext.  Char. — Colors,  violet,  brown,  green,  grey,  yel- 
low, and  white  ;  occurs  in  crystals,  the  form  of  which 
is  an  oblique  rhomb,  or  four-sided  prism,  so  compressed 
that  the  edges  appear  sharp  like  the  edge  of  an  axe; 
angles  often  truncated  ;  lustre  splendent ;  fracture  un- 
even; fragments  angular ;  translucent  or  transparent; 
occurs  also  massive  ;  scratches  glass  :  sp.  gr.  3.2  to 
3.30. 


INDIANITE.      LAPIS  LAZULI.  39 


Figs.  16  and  17.  Present  the  common  forms  of  these  crystals. 

Chem.  Char.  Fusible  into  a  dark  greenish  glass. 

Comp.  Silex  44 ;  alumine  18  ;  lime  19  ;  oxide  of  iron  14 ;  oxide 
of  manganese  4. — Vauquelin. 

Obs.  1.  The  crystals  are  generally  striated,  except  the  greenish 
variety,  which  is  the  most  perfect. 

2.  The  same  crystal  is  sometimes  of  various  colors,  and  has  various 
degrees  of  transparency. 

3.  Some  crystals,  and  particularly  the  violet  colored,  become  elec- 
tric by  heat. 

It  is   found  in  primitive  rocks  and  is  rather  a  rare  mineral. 
Local.    Thum*   in    Saxony.     In  the  Pyrennees.     Mount  Atlas. 
Arendal,  in  Norway.     France.     Cornwall,  Eng. 

Species  28.     INDIANITE. 

Indianite,  J.  P.  C.  M. 

Ext.  Char. — Colors,  whitish  or  greyish,  sometimes 
tinged  with  brown ;  translucent ;  scratches  glass  ; 
cleaves  into  prismatic  fragments  ;  lustre  shining. 

Chem.  Char.  Infusible  ;  becomes  gelatinous  with  acids. 

Comp.  Silex  42.5 ;.  alumine  37.5;  lime  15;  iron  3. — Chtne- 
vix. 

Obs.  1.  It  is  considered  the  matrix  of  corundum,  and  occasionally 
contains  felspar,  garnet,  fibrolite,  hornblende  and  mica. 

2.  It  is  not  a  well  denned  species. 

Local.  Carniatic. 

Species  29.     LAPIS  LAZULI. 

Lazulite,  H.    Azurestone,  of  Lapis  Lazuli,  J.    Lapis  Lazuli,  A.  P.  C. 
Dodecahedral  Azure-Spar,  M. 

Ext.  Char. — Color,  azure  blue  of  various  tints,  but 
always  intense  and  beautiful ;  occurs  massive  ;  struc- 
ture fine  grained  and  compact  ;  lustre  glimmering; 
fracture  uneven ;  scratches  glass ;  opake  or  translucent 
on  the  edges  :  sp.  gr.  2.9. 

Chem.  Char.  Fusible  with  difficulty  into  a  glassy  globule,  at  first 
bluish,  but  soon  becomes  white.  With  borax  forms  a  clear  glass. 

Comp.  Silex  49;  magnesia  2 ;  alumine  11;  lime  16;  potash  and 
soda  8;  oxide  of  iron  4  ;  sulphuric  acid  2. — Gmelin. 

*  Jameson  calls  it  Thumerstone  on  this  account. 


40  LAPIS  LAZULI. 

Klaproth  found  neither  soda  nor  potash.  Clement  found  soda  23. 
2,  and  sulphur  3.1. 

Dist.  Char.  Its  peculiar  and  beautiful  color,  will  distinguish  it 
from  most  other  minerals.  The  blue  carbonate  of  copper  which  its 
color  most  resembles,  becomes  dark,  and  is  reduced  by  the  blow- 
pipe. 

Obs.  1.  The  color  of  Lapis  Lazuli  is  seldom  uniform,  and  the 
stone  is  often  interspersed  with  spots,  or  veins  of  iron  pyrites. 

Local.  China,  Persia  and  Bucharia. 

According  to  Patrin,  as  quoted  by  Pinkerton,  it  chiefly  comes 
from  Great  Bucharia,  where  it  exists  in  rocks  of  granite.  The 
amount  of  Patrin's  information  on  this  subject  is  as  follows. 

1 .  Lapis  is  seldom  found  pure,  except  in  small  pieces. 

2.  It  is  disseminated  through  a  granite  rock,  in  all  sorts  of  propor- 
tion, but  it  is  rare  to  find  a  piece  as  big  as  one's  head,  in  which  the 
blue  predominates  over  the  white  and  grey. 

3.  It  is  sometimes  found  in  solid  pieces,    and  particularly  on  the 
Lake  Baikal 

Uses.  Lapis  Lazuli  receives  a  high  polish  and  is  in  great  demand 
as  an  ornamental  stone.  Specimens  in  which  the  yellow  pyrites  is  in- 
termixed, are  often  exremely  beautiful.  In  the  palace  which  Cath- 
arine II.  built  for  her  favorite  Orlof,  at  St.  Petersburg,  Patrin  says, 
there  are  some  apartments  entirely  lined  with  lapis,  and  that  it  would 
be  scarcely  possible  to  imagine  a  decoration  more  simple,  and  at  the 
same  time  more  magnificent. 

But  the  most  important  use  of  this  mineral,  is  that  of  furnishing 
the  celebrated  and  beautiful  pigment  called  ultra-mar  int  blue. 

Beckmann,  in  his  history  of  Inventions,  has  devoted  an  entire  chap- 
ter to  this  subject,  and  as  usual,  has  quoted  a  great  number  of  authors. 
From  him  we  learn  as  follows. 

1.  Lapis  Lazuli  was  well  known  to  the  ancients,  under  the  name 
of  Sapphire. 

2.  The  process  of  preparing  the  ultra-marine,  was  known  as  early 
as  the  15th  century. 

3.  In  the  eleventh  century,  lapis,  or  some  preparation  of  it  was  used 
in  medicine. 

4.  It  appears  also  that  the  process  for  making  ultra-marine,  was 
for  a  long  time  kept  a  secret,  and  the  paint  sold  at  a  great  price.     In 
1763  an  ounce  of  it  cost  at  Paris,  .£4  sterling.     It  was  also  sold  at  a 
ducat  per  ounce  at  Hamburg,  and  was  warranted  to  "stand  proof  by 
fire." 

The  walls  of  the  palace  at  St.  Petersburg  mentioned  above,  Beck- 
mann says,  are  covered  with  amber,  interspersed  with  plates  of  this 
costly  stone. 

The  process  of  extracting  the  ultra-marine,  is  found  in  books  on 
Chemistry.  It  is  employed  in  oil,  and  not  only  gives  the  richest  and 
most  beautiful  of  all  blue  colors,  but  is  said  never  to  fade ;  hence  its 
high  price. 

Some  engravings  have  been  executed  on  this  stone,  but  it  is  much 
too  soft  for  this  purpose. 


DIPYRE.      LAUMONITE.       CLAY  SLATE.  41 

Species  30.     DIPYRE. 

Dipyre,  H.  A.  P.  C. 

Ext.  Char. — Colors,  greyish  or  reddish  white ;  occurs 
in  slender  prisms,  fasciculated  into  masses  ;  form  six- 
sided  prisms,  but  often  so  minute  as  to  render  it  diffi- 
cult to  ascertain  their  modifications  •  scratches  glass : 
sp.  gr.  2.63. 

Chem.  Char.  Turns  milk  white,  phosphoresces,  and  melts  into  a 
blebby  colorless  glass.* 

Comp.  Silex  60  ;  alurnine  24 ;  lime  10 ;  water  2. — Vauquelin. 

Local.  Pyrennees,  in  steatite,  mingled  with  sulphuret  of  iron.  It 
is  very  rare. 

Species  31.     LAUMONITE.t 

Laumonite,  H.  J.  P.  C. 

Ext.  Char. — Colors,  white,  sometimes  with  a  tinge  of 
yellow,  or  red  ;  occurs  in  aggregated  crystalline  mass- 
es, arid  in  regular  crystals  ;  form  an  octahedral  prism, 
with  dihedral  summits,  variously  modified  by  trunca- 
tion ;  primary  form  an  oblique  rhombic  prism  ;  fracture 
foliated ;  structure  lamellar  ;  cleavage  perfect  in  two 
directions  ;  translucent,  or  transparent ;  scratches 
glass :  sp.  gr.  2.2. 

Chem.  Char.  Fusible  with  difficulty,  into  a  porous  colorless  glass. 
Forms  a  jelly  with  acids. 

Comp.  Silex  49,  alumine22;  lime  9  ;  water  17.5;  carbonic  acid 
2.5— .roed. 

Obs.  The  above  description  applies  to  the  present  species,  only  ia 
its  recent,  or  perfect  state.  On  exposure  to  the  air  it  effloresces,  or 
loses  its  water  of  crystallization,  and  divides  into  angular  fragments  ; 
becomes  opake,  of  a  millk  white  color,  and  pearly  lustre,  and  finally 
falls  into  powder.  Its  appearance  in  this  state,  is  much  like  that  of 
selenite,  after  being  exposed  to  heat 

Local  Brittany,  in  a  lead  mine  Ireland  and  Faroe  in  trap.  Chi- 
na, Transylvania,  St.  Gothard.  England  in  several  places. 

U.  S.  Near  New-Haven,  Conn.—Silliman.  Philipstown,  N.  f. 
— Barratt. 

Species  32.     CLAY  SLATE. 
Clay  Slate,  P.     Argillaceous  Slate,  C." 
Ext.  Char. — Colors,  reddish,  bluish,  greenish,  brown, 
also  yellowish  brown  and  black,  always  dull ;  occurs 

"Hence  (he  name,  which  in  Greek  signifies  the  double  effects  of  fire,  in  allu- 
sion to  its  turning  white  and  phosphorescing.  JV 
tin  honor  of  Gilbert  tauipont 
6 


42  CLAY   SLATE, 

massive ;  structure  slaty  ;  lustre  glimmering  ;  princi- 
pal fracture  slaty ;  cross  fracture  earthy,  or  uneven  ; 
opake;  yields  to  the  knife;  does  not  adhere  to  the 
tongue  :  sp.  gr.  about  2.5. 

Chem.   Char.  Fusible  into  a  black  slag. 

Comp.  Silex48;  alumine  25.5;  magnesia  1.6;  oxide  of  iron  11. 
3  ;  oxide  of  manganese  0.5 ;  potash  4.7  ;  carbon  0.3 ;  water  7.6 — 
Kirwan. 

It  is  very  universally  distributed,  and  forms  vast  strata  in  different 
countries. 

Local.  England.     Scotland.     Ireland,  &c. 

U.  ti.  Hartford,  Windsor,  Suffield,  Conn. 

Var.  I. — ROOF  SLATE. 

Roof  Slate,  C. 

Ext.  Char. — Colors,  brownish  black  or  bluish  black  ; 
occurs  massive  in  beds ;  fracture  splintery  ;  cleavage 
perfect  in  one  direction ;  easily  fusible  ;  surface 
smooth, or  slightly  undulating;  divides  into  large  thin 
plates  ;  sonorous,  when  suspended  and  struck  with  a 
hard  body. 

It  is  found  both  in  primitive  and  secondary  rocks. 

Local.  It  is  found  in  most  European  countries. 

U.  S  Wayne,  York  and  Lancaster  counties,  Penn.  (quarried) 
Hoosack,  N.  Y.  (quarried)  Dummerston,  Rockingham,  Castleton, 
and  Brattleborough,  Ver.  Charlestown,  Mass,  extensively  quarried. 

Uses.  It  is  employed  extensively,  in  cities,  to  cover  the  roofs  of 
buildings. 

Obs.  In  Pennsylvania,  roof  slate  is  quarried,  to  the  amount  of  about 
1600  tons  annually.  It  sells  at  Baltimore,  for  $22,  the  ton.— Hay- 
den.  It  is  also  extensively  quarried  at  Dummerston,  and  Brattlebo- 
rough, Ver. — Hall.  And  at  Charlestown,  Mass. — Dana. 

Var.  2.     SHINING  ARGILLITE. 
Shiste  luisant,  Bt.     Shining  Argillite,  C. 
Ext.  Char. — Colors,  blue,  bluish  black,  grey,  and  red- 
dish ;  occurs  massive ;  fracture  slaty ;  surface  undulat- 
ing or  waved  ;  lustre  shining,  sometimes  pseudo-metal- 
lic. 

Obs.  This  variety  is  primitive,  and  passes  into  mica  slate.  It 
abounds  with  ores ;  most  of  the  tin  and  copper  mines  of  Cornwall, 
traverse  this  rock. 

Var.  3.     SHALE. 
Plate  Clay,  J.  P.     Shale.  C. 
Ext.  Char. — Colors,  grey,  bluish  black,  brown,  red- 


CLAY   SLATE.  43 

dish,  or  greenish  ;  occurs  massive ;  fracture  uneven  ; 
lustre  dull ;  more  or  less  fusible ;  yields  to  the  knife ; 
layers  often  uneven,  protuberant,  or  knobby  ;  adheres 
a  little  to  the  tongue. 

Chem.  Char.     It  is  fusible  by  the  blowpipe. 
Obs.  This  variety  often  disintegrates,  and  falls  in  pieces. 
Dist.  Char.  It  is  less  solid,  and  not  so  hard  as  argiliite  ;  and  does 
not,  like  roof  slate,  split  into  thin  smooth  layers. 

Var.  4.     BITUMINOUS  SHALE. 
Bituminous  Shale,  J.  A.  P.  C. 

ExL  Char. — Color,  black  or  brown ;  structure  slaty ; 
fracture  conchoidal  ;  lustre  a  little  shining  or  dull ; 
yields  easily  to  the  knife  :  sp.  gr.  about  2. 

Obs.  This  variety  contains  a  considerable  quantity  of  bitumen. 
When  heated,  or  struck,  it  exhales  a  strong  bituminous  odor,  and  oft- 
en burns  with  a  flame.  It  is  a  strong  indication  of  coal. 

2.  Shale  frequently  exhibits  impressions  of  vegetables,  as  reeds, 
ferns,  leaves,  &c.  It  also  exhibits  impressions  offish. 

Local  England,  Scotland,  &c. 

U.  S.  Virginia,  Rhode  Island,  Ohio,  Connecticut,  &c. 

Obs.  It  is  found  with  the  R.  Island  anthracite,  containing  impres- 
sions of  vegetables. 

2.  At  Westfield,  Conn,  is  a  bed  of  highly  bituminous  shale,  con- 
taining numerous  impressions  offish.  Sometimes  the  fish  are  a  foot, 
or  two  feet  long,  the  head,  fins,  and  scales,  being  perfectly  distinguish- 
able. A  single  specimen  sometimes  presents  parts  of  three  or  four 
fish,  lying  in  different  directions,  and  between  different  layers  They 
are  sometimes  contorted  and  almost  double.  Their  color,  sometimes 
grey,  is  usually  black,  and  the  fins  and  scales,  appear  to  be  converted 
into  coal — Silliman. 

Var.  5.     NOVACULITE. 

Arffile  schisteuse  novaculaire,  H.  Novaculite,  K.  C.    Whet  Slate 

J.  A.  P. 

Ext.  Char.— Colors,  yellowish  white,  or  blackish  grey, 
often  running  in  stripes  ;  translucent  on  the  edges  ; 
texture  fine  grained  or  compact ;  structure  slaty,  more 
or  less  fissile ;  fracture  conchoidal ;  fragments  sharp 
edged:  sp.  gr.  2.75. 

Chem  Char.  Fusible,  into  a  brownish,  porous  enamel. 

Comp.  Silex  71.3  ;  alumine  15.3  ;  oxide  of  iron  9.3  ;  water  3.3. — 
Faraday. 

Obs.  The  Turkish  hone  often  presents  the  two  colors,  pale  yel- 
low, and  bluish  or  greenish  grey,  in  distinct  layers,  or  stripes.  It  is 
from  this  circumstance,  perhaps,  that  this  substance  is  thought  by 
many  to  be  petrified  wood.  Sometimes  the  two  layers  are  cemented 


44  CLAY  SLATE. 

together.  The  yellow,  is  generally  more  compact  and  hard,  than  the 
bluish. 

Local.  In  the  primitive  mountains  of  Saxony,  and  in  several  parts 
of  Germany.  It  was  first  brought  from  the  Levant,  hence  it  was  cal- 
led Turkish  hone. 

U.  S.  Berks  County,  Pmn.  It  is  explored,  and  sells  at  25  cents 
the  pound. — Cooper.  Arkansas  Territory,  of  a  good  quality. — School- 
craft.  Charlestown,  Maiden,  and  Dorchester,  Muss. — Dana.  Thet- 
ford,  Ver. — Hall  Kennebec  river,  Maine — Cleveland. 

Uses.  It  is  employed  to  give  a  fine  edge  to  cutting  instruments. 

For.  6.       ALUM    SLATE. 

Alum  Slate,  J.  A.  P.     Aluminous  Slate,  C. 

Ext.  Char. — Colors,  bluish,  or  greenish  black,  or  iron 
black ;  sometimes  irridescent ;  structure  slaty  ;  layers 
often  curved  or  undulated  ;  lustre  glimmering  or  dull ; 
fracture  uneven  or  earthy  :  sp.  gr.  2.33. 

Chem.  Char.  Fusible.  It  turns  red  by  the  action  of  heat,  and  falls 
in  pieces. 

Comp.  Silex  40;  alumine  16;  carbon  19.6;  sulphur  2.8;  sul- 
phate of  iron,  lime,  and  potash  1.5  each ;  iron  6.4 ;  water  10.7. — 
Klaproth, 

Obs.  On  exposure  to  the  air,  it  disintegrates,  and  throws  out  a  sa- 
line fflorescence,  which  covers  the  surface  with  a  white  powder;  and 
which  is  found  to  be  alum.  The  production  of  this  salt,  is  explained 
on  the  principle  of  chemical  affinity.  The  sulphur  on  exposure,  ab- 
sorbs oxygen  from  the  atmosphere,  and  is  converted  into  sulphuric 
acid,  which  then  unites  to  the  alumine  and  potash,  and  forms  a  sul- 
phate of  alumine  and  potash,  or  alum.  The  alum  is  then  obtained 
Iby  lixiviation. 

Local.  Yorkshire,  and  near  Whitby,  Eng.  At  Whitby  are  exten- 
sive alum  works.  Also  in  Italy,  near  Rome. 

U.  S.  Frederic,  and  Washington  Counties,  Md.  Near  Zanes- 
ville,  Ohio.  Near  New  Lebanon  Springs,  ft.  Y  Pownal,  Ver. 
Also  in  the  western  counties  of  Pennsylvania. 

Far.  7.  ADHESIVE  SLATE.* 

Ext.  Char.— Colors,  yellowish  grey,  or  greenish 
brown  ;  occurs  massive ;  texture  slaty,  which  becomes 
visible  on  exposure  ;  but  it  the  mass  be  moistened  the 
slaty  characters  disappear ;  splits  easily ;  yields  to  the 
knife  ;  adheres  to  the  tongue  ;  sp.  gr.  about  2. 

Comp.  Silex  82.50 ;  alumine  0.75  ;  lime  0.25  ;  magnesia  8.0"; 
carbon  0.75 ;  iron  4  — Klaproth. 

Local.  Near  Paris,  in  the  gypsum  formations. 


*  Because  if  adheres  to  the  tongue. 


SILICIOUS  SLATE.  45 

Tar  8.     POLISHING  SLATE. 
Polishing  Slate,  J.  P.  C. 

Ext.  Char.  —  Colors,  white,  yellowish  white,  or  yel- 
low ;  occurs  massive  ;  structure  slaty  ;  opake  ;  brittle  ; 
swims  on  water  for  a  short  time. 

Comp.  Silex  83.50;  alumirie  4;  lime  8.50  ;  oxide  of  iron  1.60; 
water  9.0.  —  Buchoh. 

Local.  Bohemia,  Saxony,  and  Auvergne.  It  is  supposed  to  be  a 
volcanic  production. 

Use.  It  is  used  for  polishing  glass,  marble,  the  metals,  &c. 

Var.  9.     GRAPHIC  SLATE. 

Argile  schisteuse  graphique,  H.     Drawing  Slate,  J.     Black  Chalk, 
A.  P.     Graphic  Slate,  C. 

Ext.  Char.  —  Colors,  black,  greyish,  or  bluish  black  ; 
structure  slaty  ;  fracture  earthy  ;  leaves  a  black  dull 
trace  on  wood,  or  paper  ;  opake  ;  soils  the  fingers  : 
sp.  gr.  2.14. 

Comp.  Silex  64  ;  alumine  11.25;  carbon  11  ;  oxide  of  iron  2.75  ; 
water  7.5.  —  Weiglib. 

It  is  found  with  argilite,  and  in  the  vicinity  of  coal  formations. 

Local.  Spain,  France,  Italy,  Iceland,  &,c. 

U.  S.  Rhode  Island,  with  anthracite.  On  the  Susquehannah, 
Penn. 

Uses.  It  is  employed  for  tracing  lines  on  wood,  and  for  making 
crayons,  for  drawings. 

Species  33.     SILICIOUS  SLATE. 

Silicious  schistus,  K.     Flinty  Slate,  J.  P.     Silicious  Slate  C. 

Ext.  Char.  —  Colors,  grey,  bluish  grey,  reddish,  brown 
or  black  ;  occurs  massive  ;  structure  slaty  ;  fracture 
imperfectly  conchoidal  ;  lustre  glimmering  ;  hardness 
about  equal  to  that  of  quartz  ;  translucent  on  the  edges; 
colors  sometimes  arranged  in  spots  or  stripes  :  sp.  gr. 
2.59  to  2.64. 

Chem.  Char.  Infusible,  but  turns  reddish. 

Comp.  Silex  75  ;  the  remainder  being  lime,  magnesia,  and  oxide 
of  Iron.  —  Weiglib. 

Local  Saxony,  Bohemia,  France,  Scotland. 


1.       BASINITE.       TOUCHSTONE. 

Lidian  stone,  J.  A.  P.     Basinite,  K.  C, 
Ext.  Char.  —  Colors,  greyish  black,  or  black  ;  occurs 
massive,  and  in  rolled  pieces  ;  opake  ;  fracture  con- 

choidal; streak  black. 

• 


46  CLAY. 

Obs.  This  variety,  was  formerly  much  employed  as  a  test  of  the 
purity  of  gold.  The  metal  being  drawn  across  the  stone,  a  judgment 
of  its  purity  or  quantity  of  alloy,  is  formed  by  the  color  of  the  streak  ; 
and  if  this  is  not  satisfactory,  the  trace  of  metal  is  touched  with 
nitric  acid  which  dissolves  the  alloying  substance  without  touching 
the  gold  Hence  the  name  touchstone. 

Local  U.  S.  Topsham,  Mass.  Northampton,  N.  II.  Near  Read- 
ing and  Bethlehem,  Penn.  Topsham,  Me. 

Species  34.     CLAY. 

The  varieties  of  this  species,  are  composed  of  silex  and  alumine, 
with  variable  proportions  of  oxide  of  Iron,  and  sometimes  a  little  car- 
bon, manganese  and  water. 

Far.  1.       INDURATED    CLAY. 

Claystone.  J.  C.     Indurated  Clay,  K.  A.  P. 

Ext.  Char. — Colors,  grey,  yellowish  grey,  brown,  red- 
dish, arid  sometimes  greenish  ;  occurs  massive ;  frac- 
ture conchoidal  and  splintery ;  yields  to  the  knife  ; 
texture  compact,  or  porous ;  yields  an  argillaceous 
odor  when  moistened  ;  crumbles  and  falls  in  pieces  in 
water;  opake  ;  sp.  gr.  about  2.21. 

Obs.  It  sometimes  forms  the  basis  of  porphyry. 

Chem.  Char.  Infusible,  but  becomes  glazed  by  heat. 

It  often  occurs  in  extensive  beds. 

Far  2.     IRON  CLAY. 
Iron  Clay,  J.  A.  P.  C. 

Ext.  Char. — Color,  reddish,  or  yellowish  brown; 
occurs  massive  ;  fracture  earthy ;  opake  ;  easily  brok. 
en ;  gives  an  argillaceous  odor  ;  often  porous,  or  amy- 
daloidal. 

Local.  Ireland,  Scotland,  England,  &c. 
Far.  3.     WACKE* 
Wakke,  Bt.     Wacke,  A.  P.  C. 

Ext.  Char.— Colors,  yellowish  grey,  brownish,  green- 
ish, or  reddish  ;  occurs  massive ;  fracture  conchoidal, 
or  earthy ;  opake  ;  unctuous  to  the  touch  ;  gives  the 
argillaceous  odor  when  breathed  on;  may  be  cut  by  a 
knife  5  sp.  gr.  2.53,  to  2.89. 

Chem.  Char.  Fusible  into  a  porous  slag. 

Comp.  Silex  28;  alumine  23;  lime  4.5  ;  water  16  18;  oxide  of 
iron  26  ;  carbonic  acid  2.32. —  Webster. 

*Pronounced  Wok-kt. 


CLAY.  47 

It  is  associated  with  basalt,  and  seems  to  be  intermediate  between 
that  substance  and  clay. 

Local.  Germany,  Scotland,  Saxony,  Norway. 

U.  S.  Near  Boston,  Muss.  It  there  forms  the  basis  of  amygda- 
loid.— Cleveland. 

Obit.  It  frequently  contains  embedded  crystals,  of  mica,  hornblende, 
calcareous  spar,  &c.  In  it  are  also  found  magnetic  iron,  chalcedo- 
ny, agate,  and  zeolite.  It  also  sometimes  contains  fossil  bones,  and 
petrified  wood,  but  Jameson  says,  it  never,  like  basalt,  contains 
augite,  or  olivine. 

Var.  4.     ROTTEN  STONE. 

Rotten  Stone,  A.  C. 

Ext.  Char. — Color,  brownish  grey,  or  reddish  brown, 
passing  into  black ;  occurs  massive  •  fracture  earthy 
and  dull;  soft;  soils  the  fingers;  fetid  when  rubbed 
or  scraped. 

Comp.  Alumine  86  ;  silex  4  ;  carbon  10. — Phillips. 
Local.  Derbyshire,  where  it  is  believed  to  aiise  from  the  decompo- 
sition of  the  shale,  of  that  country. — Phillips. 
U.  S.  Albany,  N.    Y. 

Var.  5.   PORCELAIN  CLAY. 

Feldspath  decompose,  H.     Porcelain  Clay,  P.     Kaolin,  Porcelain 
Clay,  K.  C.  . 

Ext.  Char. — Color,  yellowish,  or  reddish  white  ;  oc- 
curs massive ;  composed  of  small  particles  slightly 
coherent  ;  soft  ;  friable  between  the  fingers ; 
unctuous  to  the  touch ;  adheres  slightly  to  the  tongue ; 
absorbs  water,  and  falls  to  powder ;  but  does  not  form 
a  ductile  paste  :  sp.  gr.2.20  to  2.10. 

Chem.  Char.  Infusible. 

Comp.  (From  Saxony,)  Silex  55 ;  alumine  27 ;  lime  2  ;  water  14  ; 
oxide  of  iron  5  ; — Vauquelin.  (From  Cornwall,)  Silex  20  ;  alumine 
60  ;  water  12. —  Wedgewood.  (From  Vermont, ) Silex  50  ;  alumiue 
43.— Smith. 

Obs.  This  is  the  clay  of  which  China  or  porcelain  ware,  is  manu- 
factured. It  is  infusible  even  in  a  porcelain  furnace,  when  pure,  but 
hardens,  and  acquires  a  degree  of  firmness,  though  not  sufficient  for 
the  purposes  of  the  manufacturer,  without  the  addition  of  some  flux, 
as  a  little  lime,  by  which  it  is  softened  in  the  fire,  and  as  it  cools  as- 
sumes the  proper  degree  of  hardness  and  firmness. 

2.  Sometimes  the  best  porcelain  clay  is  of  a  yellowish  color,  prob- 
ably from  the  intermixture  of  earthy  matter,  as  it  becomes  white  in 
the  fire.  When  colored  by  oxide  of  iron,  or  other  metallic  oxides,  it 
becomes  reddish  or  brown  in  the  fire,  by  which  its  value  is  greatly 
lessened  The  value  of  this  clay,  can  therefore  be  ascertained,  only 
by  actual  experiment. 


48  CLAY. 

3.  Porcelain  clay,  is  found  in  primitive  rocks,  wheVe  it  occurs  in 
beds,  more  or  less  extensive  -  It  is  produced  by  the  decomposition  of 
felspar,  one  of  the  component  parts  of  granite,  and  more  particularly 
of  graphic  granite,  which  is  almost  entirely  composed  of  felspar. 

Local.  Meissien  in  Saxony,  and  from  which  the  Saxon  porcelain  is 
made.  Limoges,  in  France.  Cornwall,  in  England.  Near  Passau 
in  Austria,  &c. 

U.  S.  Monkton,  Ver.  At  this  place,  it  appears  to  form  a  large 
bed,  and  to  be  of  a  good  quality  for  the  manufacture  of  porcelain.  — 
Silliman.  Near  Wilmington,  Del.  Near  Philadelphia,  Penn.  in 
several  places.  —  Wister.  Washington,  Conn,  in  small  quantities. 


.     6.       LITHOMARGE.* 

Argile  Lithomarge,  H.  Lithomarge.  J.  A.  C. 
Ext.  Char.  —  Colors,  reddish  or  yellowish  white,  also 
bluish,  and  greyish  white,  often  spotted  internally  ;  oc- 
curs massive  \  opake  ;  fracture  conchoidal  ;  texture 
fine  grained  ;  soft  ;  adheres  to  the  tongue  :  polishes 
with  the  nail  ;  falls  to  powder  in  water,  but  does  not 
form  a  paste  :  sp.  gr.  2.20. 

Chem,  Char.   Infusible  ;  sometimes  phosphoresces,  when  heated. 

Comp.  Silex45.2;  alumine  39.5;  water  14;  oxide  of  iron  .2.7  — 
Klaproth. 

It  is  found  in  veins  in  porphyry,  gneiss,  and  serpentine,  and  in 
beds  over  coal. 

Obs.  Werner,  divides  it  into  two  kinds,  indurated  and  friable. 

Local.  Saxony,  England- 

U.  S.  Bare  Hills,  near  Baltimore,  Md.  Montgomery  County, 
Penn. 

Var.  7.  FULLER'S  EARTH. 
Fuller's  Earth,  J.  A.  P,  C. 

Ext.  Char.  —  Colors,  greenish  brown,  greenish  grey, 
greenish  white,  yellowish,  reddish,  and  bluish,  some- 
times striped  or  spotted  ;  occurs  massive  ;  fracture 
somewhat  conchoidal  ;  texture  earthy  ;  polishes  with 
the  finger  nail  ;  unctuous  to  the  touch  ;  soft  and  tender  ; 
becomes  translucent  when  thrown  into  the  water,  and 
falls  into  a  pulpy  impalpable  powder,  but  does  not  be- 
come ductile  :  sp.  gr.  1  .7  to  2. 

Chem.  Char.  Fusible  into  a  porous  slag.  Turns  white  when 
heated. 

Comp.  Silex53;  alumine  10  ;  water  24;  magnesia  1.25;  lime  0. 
5  ;  muriate  of  soda  O.I  ;  oxide  of  iron  9.75.  —  Klaproth. 

'Signifies  Rock  Marrow, 


€LAY.  49 

It  is  found  in  beds,  sometimes  enclosing  fossil  wood,  sea  shells, 
sulphate  of  barytes,  and  quartz. 

Loral.  The  best,  is  said  to  occur  in  England.  It  is  also  found  in 
Austria,  Saxony,  &c. 

V.  S.  Newfield,  Maine,  Kent,  Conn. 

Uses.  This  earth  was  formerly  much  employed,  in  the  fulling  of 
cloth,  whence  its  name.  At  the  present  time,  soap  is  generally 
substituted. 

Var.  8.     TRIPOLI.* 
Tripoli,  J.  A.  P.  C. 

Ext.  Char. — Colors,  various  shades  of  grey,  yellow, 
and  red ;  occurs  massive  ;  fracture  dull,  coarse,  and 
earthy ;  yields  to  the  nail ;  rough  to  the  touch  ;  opake ; 
aspect  argillaceous  ;  indurated  or  friable  ;  does  not 
form  paste  with  water ;  sp.  gr.  2.20. 

Chem.  Char.  Infusible,  sometimes  effervesces  with  acids,  from  for- 
eign ingredients. 

Comp.  Silex  90  ;  the  rest  being  alumine,  oxide  of  iron,  and  lime. 

It  is  found  among  secondary  rocks,  or  in  alluvial  earths. 

Local.  France,  Bohemia,  Saxony,  Brittany,  &c. 

Uses.  It  is  used,  like  emery,  for  polishing  metals,  stones,  marble, 
&c. 

Var.  9.     BOLE: 
Bole,  K.  J.  A.  P.  C. 

Ext.  Char. — Colors,  reddish  yellow,  brownish  black, 
yellowish  white,  or  pitch  black  ;  occurs  in  solid  amor- 
phous masses ;  opake  ;  fracture  conchoidal  ;  smooth 
to  the  touch  ;  yields  an  argillaceous  odor  when  mois- 
tened ;  soils  the  fingers  :  sp.  gr.  2. 

Chem.   Char.  Turns  red,  or  black,  and  melts  into  a  porous  slag. 

Comp.  (From  Lemnos)  Silex  6f> ;  alumine  14.5  ;  water  8.5  ;  ox- 
ide of  iron  6 ;  soda  3.5 ;  lirne  and  magnesia  0.5. — Klaproth. 

It  is  found  with  basalt  and  wacke. 

Local.  Armenia  and  Lemnos. 

Obs.  Bole  appears  to  be  a  fine  clay,  colored  by  iron. 

Uses.  Formerly  the  Armenian  bole  was  much  employed  in  medi- 
cine as  an  astringent  and  absorbent.  That  of  Lemnos  was  used 
when  moistened,  and  made  into  a  thick  paste,  to  take  the  impressions 
of  seals,  and  hence  was  called  terra  sigillata  B  >le  from  Sienna,  cal- 
led Terra  de  Sienna,  is  a  dark  brown  color,  and  is  used  as  a  paint. 
At  the  present  time,  the  red  bole  is  employed  at  Constantinople,  to 
form  the  bowls  of  their  tobacco  pipes.  It  takes  an  exact  and  beauti- 
ful impression  from  the  mould,  and  when  gilded,  appears  like  the  fin- 
est workmanship. 

*  It  was  first  brought  from  Tripoli. 
7 


50  CLAY. 

Var.  10.     CIMOLITE. 
Cimolite,  H.  J.  A.  P.  C. 

Ext.  Char. — Color,  internally  greyish  white,  but  ac- 
quires a  reddish  tint  by  exposure  ;  occurs  massive  ; 
fracture  earthy ;  texture  a  little  slaty ;  yields  to  the 
nail ;  adheres  to  the  tongue  ;  gives  a  shining  streak  ; 
falls  to  pieces  in  water  :  sp.  gr.  2. 

Chem.  Char.  It  whitens,  but  is  infusible. 

Comp.    Silex  63;  alumine  23  ;  water  i2  ;  iron  1.25. — Klaproth. 

Local.  Argenteria,  formerly  Cimolus,  an  island  in  the  Archipela- 
go, situated  near  Milo- 

Uses.  It  was  employed  by  the  ancients  as  a  detergent,  and  is  used 
by  the  inhabitants  of  the  island  as  a  substitute  for  fuller's  earth,  at 
the  present  day. 

Var.  11. MOUNTAIN  MEAL. 

Obs.  This  singular  substance  was  found  in  the  form  of  a  bed,  by 
Fibbroni,  at  Santa  Fiori,  between  Tuscany  and  the  Papal  dominions. 
It  is  formed  into  bricks,  so  light  as  to  swim  on  water. — Phillips. 

Comp.  Silex  79  ;  alumine  5 ;  oxide  of  iron  3 ;  water  12. — Kla- 
proth. 

Var.  12.     PIPE*  CLAY. 
Pipe  Clay,  K.  J.  P.  C. 

Ext.  Char. — Color,  yellowish  white ;  fracture  earthy; 
feels  smooth  and  greasy ;  adheres  to  the  tongue  ;  when 
kneaded  with  water  becomes  plastic  and  tenacious, 

Chem.  Char.  Becomes  white  in  the  fire,  but  is  infusible. 

Obs.  This  is  merely  a  pure  kind  of  potter's  clay. 

Local.  Devonshire  and  Dorsetshire,  Eng. 

U.  S.  Martha's  Vineyard,  Mass. 

Uses.  Besides  tobacco  pipes,  it  forms  the  basis  of  queen's  ware. 

Var.  13.     POTTER'S  CLAY. 

Argile  glaise,  H.  Clay,  A.  Potter's  Clay,  P.  C. 
Ext.  Char. — Colors,  grey,  greyish  white,  reddish,  or 
bluish  ;  occurs  massive  in  beds ;  fracture  earthy  ;  tex- 
ture more  or  less  compact  ;  sometimes  friable ;  soft 
and  unctuous  to  the  touch ;  when  dry,  receives  a  po- 
lish from  the  nail  ;  when  moistened  and  worked,  it 
makes  a  very  tenacious  and  ductile  paste  :  sp.  gr.  from 
1.08  to  2. 

Chem.  Char.  Infusible.  Some  varieties,  however,  soften  in  a  porce- 
lain heat. 

*  Because  tooacuo  pipes  are  made  of  it. 


CLAY.  51 

Comp.  Silex  43.5  ;  alumine  33.2  ;  lime  3.5  ;  iron  1.0 ;  water  18. 
— Klaproth. 

It  is  found  in  beds,  or  forming  hills.  It  often  contains  organic  re- 
mains of  animals,  fish,  and  plants 

Uses.  This  clay  is  employed  in  large  quantities,  in  the  manufac- 
ture of  stone  ware,  consisting  of  pots,  jugs,  churns,  jars,  &c.  which 
are  of  a  yellowish,  or  greyish  white  color  When  quite  pure,  it  is 
necessary  to  mix  with  it  a  proportion  of  ground  flints,  to  temper  it  for 
the  potter's  use  When  it  contains  a  sufficient  quantity  of  fine  sili- 
cious  matter,  this  becomes  unnecessary. 

Stone  ware  is  glazed  in  the  furnace,  by  throwing  in  a  quantity  of 
common  salt,  at  a  certain  stage  of  the  burning.  Jt  may  also  be  gla- 
zed by  a  mixture  of  alkali,  ground  silex,  and  oxide  of  lead,  spread  on 
each  vessel. 

Local.  Devonshire,  and  Hampshire,  in  England,  from  whence 
large  quantities  are  taken  to  supply  the  potteries  at  Staffordshire  and 
Newcastle. 

U.  S.  Near  Philadelphia,  Penn.  Burlington  and  Bordentown, 
N.J.  of  a  good  quality  for  Pottery.  Also  in  Maryland.  Martha's 
Vineyard,  Mass.  It  is  white,  and  fit  for  pipe  clay.  Missouri,  on. 
the  right  bank  of  the  Mississippi.  This  is  an  immense  bed  of  34 
miles  long,  and  from  one  to  ten  feet  in  thickness. — Jessup. 

Var.  14.     LOAM. 
Loam,  J.  P.  C. 

Obs.  Loam  or  brick  earth,  varies  very  much  in  appearance,  tex- 
ture and  composition.     It  consists  of  potter's  clay  mixed  with  a  por- 
tion of  sand,  carbonate  of  lime,  oxide  of  iron,  mica,  chalk,  &c. 
It  is  the  substance  of  which  bricks  are  made,  and  is  found  in  almost 
every  country. 

Far.  15.     REDDLE.     RED  CHALK. 
Reddle,  K.  A.  C.     Red  Chalk,  J.  P. 

Ext.  Char. — Color,  red,  of  different  shades  ;  occurs 
massive  ;  fracture  conchoidal ;  texture  earthy ;  struc- 
ture often  slaty  ;  soils  the  fingers,  and  leaves  a  bright 
red  trace  on  paper ;  opake  ;  adheres  to  the  tongue, 
and  gives  an  argillaceous  odour  when  moistened  ;  falls 
to  powder  in  water,  but  does  not  form  a  paste  :  sp,  gr. 
from  3. 13  to  3.93. 

Obs.  It  seems  to  pass  into  red  oxide  of  iron.  It  occurs  in  small 
masses  in  clay-slate,  and  sandstone,  of  the  more  recent  forma- 
tions. 

Local  France,  Germany,  Siberia,  &/c.  That  used  in  commerce, 
is  brought  from  Germany  and  France. 

Uses.  It  is  principally  used  for  drawing.  The  coarser  varieties 
are  used  by  the  carpenter,  the  finer  by  the  painter.  It  is  either  used 
in  the  natural  state,  or  is  pounded,  washed,  and  mixed  with  gum,  and 


52  FAHLUN1TE.      HARMOTOME. 

cast  into  moulds.  The  crayons  which  are  designed  for  small  and 
delicate  drawings,  are  mixed  with  a  large  portion  of  gum,  in  order  to 
give  them  sufficient  hardness. — Jameson. 

Species  35.     FAHLUNITE  * 

Fahlunite,  P.  C.  M. 

Ext.  Char. — Color,  dark  reddish  brown,  streak 
greyish  white;  occurs  massive,  and  in  thin  layers; 
opake,  or  translucent  on  the  edges ;  yields  to  the  knife; 
scratches  glass ;  lustre  waxy  ;  texture  crystalline ; 
sometimes  shows  a  tendency  to  form  six-sided  prims. 

Comp.  Silex  46  74  ;  alumine  26.73  ;  magnesia  2.97  ;  oxide  of 
iron  5.11  ;  water  12.5. — Hcisinger. 

Local.  Fahlun,  in  Sweden,  embedded  in  a  slaty  talcose  rock,  in  a 
copper  mine. 

Species  36.     HARMOTOME. 

Harmotome,  H.   A.  P.  C.     Pyramidal  Zeolite,  or  Cross  Stone,  J. 
Partomatons  Kouphone-Spar,  M. 

Ext.  Char.— Colors,  greyish  white,  milk  white,  some- 
times with  a  tinge  of  yellow,  or  red  ;  occurs  in  crystals 
which  are  rectangular  four-sided  prisms,  terminated 
by  rhombic  planes,  or  four-sided  pyramids  ;  solid  angles 
often  truncated  ;  crystals  cross  each  other  lengthwise, 
or  so  that  the  broad  planes  of  one  prism  are  perpen- 
dicular to  the  broad  planes  of  the  other.  Crystals  of- 
ten compressed  into  a  tabular  form ;  translucent,  or 
transparent ;  lustre  pearly  ;  scratches  glass;  structure 
foliated  :  sp.  gr.  2.35. 


Fig.  18.  A  compressed  four-sided  prism,  terminated  by  a  pyramid, 
consisting  of  four  rhombic  faces. 

Fig  19.  A  double,  or  twin  crystal,  consisting  of  two  four-sided 
prisms  joined  together,  and  intersecting  each  other  so  as  to  make 
their  axes  coincide. 

Chem.  Char.  Fusible  into  a  diaphanous  glass.  On  hot  coals  phos- 
phoresces with  a  greenish  light. 

*  From  its  locality. 


AMIANTHOIDE.       AUGITE.  53 

Comp.  Silex  49  ;  alumine  16  ;  barytes  18  ;  water  15. — Kla- 
proth. 

Dist.  Char.  It  does  not,  like  zeolite,  form  a  jelly  with  acids  ;  arra- 
gonite  is  infusible  ;  staurotide  is  of  a  deeper  color  and  infusible.  Stil- 
bite  exfoliates  on  hot  coals. 

Lo$al  In  the  Hartz,  it  is  found  in  metaliferous  veins,  with  carbo- 
nate of  lime,  and  sulphuret  of  lead.  Also  in  Norway,  Scotland,  and 
Germany.  It  is  a  rare  mineral. 

Species  37.     AMIANTHOIDE.* 
Amianthoide,  H.  P.  C. 

Ext.  Char. — Colors,  olive  green,  or  greenish  white  ; 
occurs  in  long  capillary  filaments,  very  flexible  and 
elastic  ;  lustre  shining  and  silky. 

Chem.  Char.  Fusible,  with  difficulty  into  blackish  enamel. 

Comp.  Silex  47  ;  lime  11  ;  magnesia  7  ;  oxide  of  iron  20  ;  oxide  of 
manganese  10. —  Vauquelin. 

Dist.  Char.  It  is  more  elastic  than  amianthus,  and  moro  flexible 
than  asbestus.  The  result  of  its  fusion,  will  also  distinguish  it  from 
both. 

Local.  Oisans,  in  France. 

U.  &.  Topsham,  Maine. — Cleveland. 

Var.   1.       BYSSOLITE.f 

Byssolete,  P.  C.    Variety  of  Amianthoide,  H. 

Ext.  Char. — Colors,  green,  or  brownish  yellow  ;  oc- 
curs in  delicate  filaments  implanted  on  other  minerals, 
standing  erect,  and  somewhat  resembling  a  kind 
of  moss.  These  filaments  are  flexible  and  elastic. 

Comp.  Silex  34  ;  alumine  43 ;  lime  9 ;  oxide  of  iron  19. — Saus- 
sure. 

Local  At  the  foot  of  Mont  Blanc,  and  at  Oisane,  in  France. 

Species  38.     AUGITE 
Pyroxene,  H.     Oblique  edged  Augite  J.     Augite.     Pyroxene,  P. 

Augite,  A.  C. 
Paratomous  Augite-Spar,  M. 

Ext.  Char. — Colors,  green,  brownish,  or  blackish 
green,  yellowish  green,  grey,  and  sometimes  white  ; 
occurs  in  crystals,  in  grains,  and  amorphous  ;  form  six 
or  eight-sided  prisms,  terminated  at  each  extremity  by 
two  principal  faces  ;  primary  form,  an  oblique  rhombic 
prism;  cleavage  parallel  to  the  sides  of  this  prism; 
lustre  glimmering  or  splendent  ;  opake  ,  scratches 

*  From  resemblance  to  amianthus. 
tFrom  its  resemblance  to  lichen  or  moss. 


54 

glass  ;  structure  foliated  ;  fracture  conchoidal,  or  une- 
ven :  sp.  gr.  from  3.  i  5  to  3.57. 

Obs.  1.  T  *e  lateral  planes  of  the  crystals  are  often  unequal,  some  be- 
ing broader  than  others.  Augite  is  subject  to  a  variety  of  modifica- 
tions, by  truncation.  Sometimes  it  occurs  in  hemitrope  crystals.  It 
is  subject  to  decomposition,  by  which  it  is  reduced  to  a  yellowish 
green,  earthy  mass. 

2.  Augite  is  found  in  primitive  rocks,  and  in  the  productions  of 
volcanoes.  But  whether  in  the  latter  case,  it  existed  in  the  rock 
previously,  and  had  passed  the  action  of  the  volcanic  fire  unaltered, 
or  whether  its  crystals  are  formed  in  the  lava,  after  its  ejection,  is  a 
matter  of  doubt  and  dispute,  among  geologists. 

Chem.  Char.  Fusible,  in  small  fragments,  into  a  glassy  globule, 
the  color  of  which,  depends  on  that  of  the  specimen. 

Comp.  Silex  54  86  ;  lime  23.57  ;  Magnesia  16.49 ;  protoxide  of 
iron  4.44  ;  manganese  0.42;  alumine  0.21 — Rose. 

Dist.  Char.  It  is  commonly  darker,  and  always  harder,  and  heavier 
than  olivine.  Hornblende  is  more  easily  fusible  than  augite,  sah- 
lite  is  commonly  more  translucent,  yenite  fuses  readily,  and  attracts 
the  magnet.  By  these  differences,  this  species  may  be  distinguished. 

Local.  Vesuvius,  Etna,  Stromboli,  TenerifFe,  Bourbon,  &c.  in 
volcanic  products.  Bohemia,  Hungary,  Transyhania,  and  Hese,  in 
basalt.  Norway,  in  primitive  trap.  North  Wales,  Scotland,  Eng- 
land, &c.  in  trap  arid  basalt. 

U.  S.  Kingsbridge,  N.  Y.  in  primitive  limestone.  It  is  white. — 
Bruce.  Litchiield,  Conn,  in  whitish  crystals,  sometimes  four  inches 
long. — Brace-  Also  at  Washington  and  Brookfield,  Conn.  Deer- 
field,  Mass,  in  black  imperfect  crystals.  Eight  miles  from  Baltimore, 
in  white  six-sided  prisms.  Also  five  miles  from  Baltimore,  in  six-sid- 
ed prisms,  of  an  olive  green,  or  brownish  red  color,  and  sometimes 
five  or  six  inches  long. — Hayden.  Pittsfield,  Mass. 

The  following  minerals,  are  considered  varieties  of  augite. 

Var.  \.     DIOPSIDE  .* 
Diopside,  J.  P.  C.     Variety  of  Pyroxene,  H. 

Ext.  Char. — Colors,  green,  greenish  white,  greyish, 
and  yellowish  white  ;  occurs  in  crystals,  of  which  the 
primitive  form  is  an  oblique  rhombic  prism  ;  seconda- 
ry forms  six,  eight,  or  twelve-sided  prisms,  terminated 
by  four  or  six  faces  ;  crystals  longitudinally  striated  ; 
translucent,  or  transparent ;  often  compressed  into  ta- 
bles ;  sometimes  the  crystals  are  fibrous,  and  are  ag- 
gregated into  radiating  masses  ;  structure  foliated  ? 
scratches  glass;  lustre  vitreous  and  shining:  sp.  gr. 
between  3.23  and  3.30. 

*  From  the  Greek,  signifying  transparency. 


AUGITE.  55 

Chem.  Char.  Fusible,  with  difficulty,  into  a  greyish  limpid  glass. 

Comp.  Silex  57  ;  magnesia  18.25  ;  lime  16.5  ;  oxides  of  iron  and 
manganese  6. — Laugier. 

Dist.  Char.  It  differs  from  augite  and  sahlite,  in  being  more  trans- 
parent, and  of  brighter  green. 

Local.  Mussa,  in  Piedmont,  and  hence  it  has  been  called  Hussite. 

U.  &  Philipstown,  N.  Y.     Pennsborough,  Ptnn. 

Var.  '2.     PYRGOM.     FASSAITE.* 
Pyrgom.     Fassaite,  P.     Fassaite,  C. 

Ext.  Char. — Color,  green,  of  various  shades,  often 
blackish  green  ;  occurs  in  crystals  of  six  or.eight  sides  ; 
also  in  the  form  of  an  octohedron,  or  double  four-sided 
pyramid,  truncated  on  the  edges  ;  cleavage  parallel  to 
the  sides  ol  an  oblique  rhombic  prism  ;  crystals  in  con- 
fused groups  ;  translucent  or  opake  ;  scratches  glass. 

Local  In  the  valley  of  Fassa,  in  the  Tyrol. 
Var.  3.     SAHLITE. t 
Pyroxene,  H.     Sahlite,  J.  A  P.  C.     Paratomous  Augite-Spar,  M. 

Ext.  Char. — Colors,  greyish  green,  or  pale  green  ;  oc- 
curs in  four  or  eight-sided  crystals,  with  dihedral  sum- 
mits ;  also  massive,  and  in  granular  concretions ;  struc- 
ture of  the  massive  lamellar,  with  joints  parallel  to  the 
planes  of  an  oblique  prism  ;  lustre  shining,  or  glim- 
mering ;  a  whitish  foliated  substance  often  interposes 
between  the  natural  joints  ;  slightly  unctuous  to  the 
touch  ;  translucent  or  opake  ;  breaks  easily  into  rhom- 
boidal  fragments  :  sp.  gr.  about  3. 

Chem  Char.  Infusible,  or  melts  with  difficulty  into  a  porous  glass. 
In  small  fragments  with  borax  it  does  not  melt,  but  seems  to  impart 
its  color  to  the  glass. 

Comp.  Silex  53  ;  alumine  3  ;  lime  20  ;  magnesia  19  ;  oxide  of 
iron  and  manganese  4. —  Vauqudin. 

Dist.  Char.  Sahlite  is  of  a  paler  green  than  augite,  and  less  trans- 
parent than  diopside,  into  which  it  passes.  Fassaite  occurs  most 
commonly  in  crystals,  sahlite  rarely. 

Local.  Sahla,  in  Sweden,  in  a  silver  mine.  Arendal,  in  Norway , 
with  iron,  lead,  and  hornblende.  Siberia,  with  beryl  and  mica. 

U.  8,  Near  lake  Champlain,  N.  Y.  Near  Ticonderoga,  N.  Y.  in 
green  octohedral  crystals  of  an  inch  in  diameter. — McEwen.  Near 
New-Haven,  Con.  in  serpentine.  It  is  olive  green  and  foliated. — • 
Silliman. 

Var.  4.     Baikalite. — This  substance  receives  its  name  from  the 

*  From  the  valley  of  Fassa. 
t  Because  it  was  found  at  Sahla, 


56  HORNBLENDE. 

lake  Baikal,  in  Siberia,  and  was  considered  by  Werner  as  a  distinct 
variety.  But  no  difference  can  be  observed  between  it  and  sahlite. 
They  are  therefore  considered  to  be  the  same  mineral. 

Var.  5.     COCCOLITE.* 

Pyroxene  granuliforme,  H.  Coccolite,  J.  A.  P.  C. 
Ext. Char. — Colors,  greyish,  or  bluish  green,  greenish 
black,  red,  or  reddish  bro\vn;  occurs  in  grains  adhering 
together,  and  forming  masses  of  irregular  shapes;  lustre 
vitreous  and  shining  ;  scratches  glass  ;  translucent ; 
grains  angular  and  easily  separable  by  the  fingers :  sp. 
gr.  from  3. 30  to  3.37. 

Chem.  Char.  Fusible  with  ease,  into  a  vitreous  opake  globule. 

Comp.  Silex50;  alumine  1.5;  lime  24;  magnesia  10;  oxide  of 
iron  7  ;  oxide  of  manganese  3. —  Vauquelin. 

Obs.  The  grains  of  this  substance  are  of  all  sizes  from  that  of  the 
smallest  sand,  to  that  of  a  pea.  Their  form  is  angular,  or  rounded 
with  irregular  shining  laces,  often  resembling  crystals.  In  the  same 
mass  the  different  colors,  red,  green,  &/c.  sometimes  occur  in  dis- 
tinct grains.  Sometimes  thin,  white,  and  apparently  silicious  parti- 
tions run  through  the  masses,  and  divide  them  into  layers. 

Local.  Arendal,  in  Norway,  with  iron  and  carbonate  of  lime.  An- 
trim, in  Ireland,  disseminated  in  limestone. 

U.  S.  West  Chester,  Ticonderoga,  and  Philipstown,  N.  Y.  Char- 
lotte, Per.  At  the  last  locality  it  is  found  in  abundance,  and  of  va- 
rious colors. — Hall. 

Var.  6.     WHITE  COCCOLITE. 
White  Coccolite.— Dr.  Barratt. 

Ext.  Char. — Color,  clear  white,  or  yellowish  white  • 
occurs  in  masses  composed  of  angular  grains  of  the 
size  of  gun  shot. 

Local  Philipstown,  Putnam  County,  N.  Y.  The  masses  are  in- 
terspersed with  crystals  of  white  augite. 

Obs.  This  is  a  new  variety,  and  was  discovered  by  Dr.  Barratt  in 
1820. 

Dr.  Barratt  also  found  at  the  same  locality,  rose  colored  coccolite. — 
Sillimari's  Journal. 

Species  39.     HORNBLENDE. 
Amphibole,  H.     Hornblende,  P.  C. 

Ext.  Char. — Color,  dark  bottle  green,  passing  into 
black ;  occurs  massive,  crystallized  and  slaty  ;  form  of 
the  primitive,  an  oblique  rhombic  prism ;  secondary 
form,  a  six-sided  prism,  variously  modified ;  crystals 

*  From  the  Greek,  a  granular  stone. 


HORNBLENDE.  5t 

striated  and  often  flattened ;  sometimes  distinct,  but 
commonly  aggregated,  intersecting  each  other,  or  in 
confusedly  radiating  masses ;  opake  ;  lustre  shining, 
sometimes  pseudo-metallic  ;  indents  under  the  edge  of 
the  hammer  ;  breaks  with  difficulty ;  fracture,  foliated 
or  fibrous  ;  streak  and  powder,  greyish  green ;  yields 
to  the  knife  :  sp.  gr.  3.15  to  3. 38. 

Chcm.  Char,  Fusible,  with  ease,  into  a  greyish  black  glass. 

Comp.  (Deep  green.)  Silex  47.21  ;  alumine  1394;  lime  1273; 
magnesia  21.86  ;  oxide  of  iron  2.28  ;  oxide  of  manganese  0.57  ;  flu- 
oric acid  0.90  ;  water  0  44. — Bonsdorf. 

Obs.  There  is  a  considerable  variety  in  the  composition  of  this 
species. 

Dtst  Char.  Schorl,  which  it  resembles,  is  much  harder,  does  not 
give  a  green  streak  and  powder,  and  is  generally  found  in  distinct, 
nine  sided  crystals.  It  differs  from  augite  in  being  more  easily  fusi- 
ble, softer  and  tougher. 

Obs.  1.  Hornblende  is  a  very  abundant  mineral  It  is  found  chief- 
ly in  primitive  rocks,  but  occurs  more  or  less  in  secondary  forma- 
tions. 

2.  It  frequently  enters  into  the  composition  of  granite,  gneiss,  and 
mica  slate,  and  is  an  essential  ingredient  in  syenite  and  greenstone. 

Local.  U.  S.  Jerico,  Ver.  in  long  capillary  crystals. — Hall* 
Ffanconia,  Ver.  in  superb  polished  crystals,  some  of  which  are  near- 
ly half  an  inch  broad,also  in  long  and  slender  crystals,  in  a  hornblende 
and  serpentine  rock.  On  the  Schuylkill,  Penn.  in  large  masses,  and 
in  bladed,  or  acicular  crystals. — Lea.  Brunswick,  Miine,  fibrous 
hornblende  occurs  with  white  granular  limestone. —  Cleveland. 

Var  1.  Massive  Hornblende,  P. — This  variety  presents  a  crys- 
talline mass,  consisting  of  long,  straight,  or  curved  fibrils,  often  inter- 
secting each  other,  being  closely  compacted  together.,  Sometimes 
the  fibrils  are  twisted  or  curled,  and  appear  like  knot?  of  wood,  and 
sometimes  like  tufts  of  hair.  It  is  very  tough  and  difficult  to  break. 
Colors  as  in  the  species. 

Far.  2.     HORNBLENDE  SLATE. 

Hornblende  Slate,  P.  C.  J. 

Ext.  Char. — Color,  greenish  black ;  occurs  in  beds, 
more  or  less  extensive ;  texture  slaty,  each  layer  being 
composed  of  fibres,  interlacing,  diverging,  or  curled 
into  knots. 

O65.  This  variety  agrees  in  all  its  characters  with  the  massive,  ex- 
cept in  its  slaty  structure. 

Var.  3.    BASALTIC  HORNBLENDE, 
Basaltic  Hornblende,  J.  A.  P.  C, 

Ext,  Char. — Colors,  black,  brownish  black,  or  jet 
8 


58  HORNBLENDE. 

black ;  occurs  in  distinct  crystals,  in  lava,  volcanic 
scoria,  and  basalt  ;  opake ;  often  moves  the  magnet; 
crystals  sometimes  have  a  brilliant  lustre  ;  structure 
foliated  ;  easily  broken;  scratches  glass  :  sp.gr.  3.25. 

Chem.  Char.  Melts  with  difficulty. 

Comp.  Silex  47  ;  alumine  26  ;  lime  8  ;  magnesia  2  ;  iron  15. — » 
JKlaproth. 

Dist.  Char.  It  is  of  a  more  intense  black,  and  has  a  much  stronger 
lustre  than  common  hornblende.  Schorl  is  harder,  and  more  easily 
broken.  Its  matrix  also  will  generally  distinguish  it  from  other  black 
crystals. 

Local.  Saxony,  Bohemia,  Hungary,  and  other  countries,  where 
basalt  and  volcanic  products  exist. 

Var.  4.     PARGASITE. 

Pargasite,  P.  C. 

Ext.  Char. — Color,  light  bottle  green  ;  occurs  crys- 
tallized in  six-sided  prisms,  with  dihedral  summits  ; 
also  in  rounded  crystalline  masses  ;  cleavage  parallel 
to  the  lateral  planes  of  a  rhombic  prism  ;  translucent; 
Scratches  glass  :  sp.  gr.  3.1 1. 

Chem  Char.  Fusible  into  a  green  glass. 

Comp.  Silex  42  ;  alumine  14.1  ;  lime  14.3  ;  magnesia  18.3  ;  ox- 
ide of  iron  3.5  ;  of  manganese,  1 .0  ;  water  and  fluoric  acid  3. 

Dist.  Char.  This  mineral  resembles  hornblende  in  every  respect, 
except  its  lighter  color  and  translucency. 

Obs.  The  specimen  before  me  from  Pargas,  resembles  in  color 
and  trarislucencey,  some  varieties  of  prehnite. 

Local.  Pargas,*  in  Finland,  in  calcareous  spar. 

U.  S.  Chester,  Mass. 

Var.  5.       HEDENBERGITE. 

Hedenbergite. — Berzelius. 

Ext.  Char.—* Colors,  greenish  black,  or  dark  brown. 
powrder  pale  brownish  green  ;  occurs  in  masses  com- 
posed of  shining  plates  ;  fracture  uneven  ;  fragments 
rhomboidal ;  scratches  carbonate  of  lime ;  phospho- 
resces by  heat  and  friction  :  sp.  gr.  3.1.r>. 

Chem.  Char.  Fusible  into  a  black  shining  glass,  which  is  some- 
times magnetic. 

Comp.  Silex  40.63  ;  alumine  0.37  ;  water  16.5  ;  protoxide  of  iron 
35.25  ;  oxide  of  manganese  0.75  ;  carbonic  acid  4  93. — Hedenberg. 

Local.  Tunaberg,  in  Sweden,  in  calcareous  spar,  with  iron  pyritesk, 
quartz,  and  mica. 

*  Whence  the  name  Pargasite. 


TREMOLITE.  59 

O6s.  1.  This  variety  seems  to  differ  from  common  hornblende, 
chiefly  in  the  form  under  which  it  occurs. 

2.  Pinkerton  quotes  several  authors  to  prove  that  mountains  of 
hornblende  exist  in  several  parts  of  the  world  Patrin,  he  says,  ob- 
St  rved  in  Siberia,  many  mountains  entirely  composed  of  it,  with  oc- 
casional veins,  or  masses  of  granite. 

Species  40.     TREMOLITE. 

Variety  of  Amphibole,  H.     Grammatite,  Bt.     Trernolite,  J.  A.  P.  C, 
Tremolite  occurs  massive,  crystallized,  Jibrous,  and  granular.     lt$ 

colors  are  generally  white,  and  greyish,  or  yellowish  white  ;  lustre. 

shining,  vitreous,  or  silky  ;  it  affords  several  varietiest  depending 

chiejly  on  the  different  forms. 

Far.   1.       CRYSTALLIZED  TREMOLITE. 

Common  Tremolite,  J.  C.  Crystalized  Tremolite,  P. 
Ext.  Char. — Color,  white,  often  with  a  tinge  of  grey? 
yellow,  or  red ;  occurs  in  crystals,  which  are  either 
very  flat  four,  six,  or  eight-sided  prisms,  deeply  striated, 
or  minute  fibres,  the  forms  of  which,  it  is  difficult  to  de- 
termine; crystals  seldom  well  defined,  but  commonly 
compressed  ;  translucent,  sometimes  nearly  transpa- 
rent ;  very  brittle ;  harsh  to  the  touch  ;  lustre  glisten- 
ing or  silky  ;  scratches  glass  :  sp.  gr.  about  3. 

Chem.  Char.  Fusible,  in  small  particles,  into  a  porous  white  ena- 
mel. 

Comp.  (Fibrous.)  Silex65;  lime  18;  magnesia  10.33  ;  water  and 
carbonic  acid  6.5  ;  oxide  of  iron  0.16. — Klaproth. 

Obs.  The  carbonic  acid  in  the  above  analysis  probably  came  from 
the  gange,  which  is  commonly  limestone  or  dolomite. 

Dist.  Char.  It  may  resemble  asbestus,  but  tremolite  is  very  brit- 
tle, while  asbestus  is  flexible.  It  never  has  the  green  color  of  acty- 
nolite.  The  foliated  structure  of  stilbite,  and  the  electrical  powers 
and  chemical  qualities  of  zeolite,  will  distinguish  them  from  tremq- 
lite. 

Var.  2.       FIBROtS  TREMOLITE. 

Variety  of  Amphibole  fibreux,  H.     Fibrous  Tremolite,  P.  C. 

Ext.  Char. — Color,  white,  often  very  pure  and  beau- 
tiful ;  occurs  in  masses  consisting  of  fine  delicate 
fibres,  sometimes  long  and  straight,  or  gently  curved, 
and  sometimes  "radiating;  lustre  silky  ;  fibres  separa- 
ble by  the  fingers ;  harsh  to  the  touch  ;  friable,  some- 
times between  the  fingers,  in  which  case  it  is  apt  to 
penetrate  the  skin. 


60  TREMOLITE. 

Dist.  Char.  This  variety  resembles  fibrous  gypsum,  but  gypsum 
instantly  becomes  opake,  when  heated,  and  falls  in  pieces. 

Var.  3.       BLADED  TRFMOLITE. 

Ext.  Char.  —  Colors,  white,  or  yellowish,  or  bluish 
white  ;  occurs  in  long  flattened  prismatic  crystals,  re- 
sembling in  form  the  blade  of  a  double-edged  knife  ; 
translucent  ;  traversed  by  cross  fissures;  easily  broken; 
several  inches  long. 

These  are  flattened,  four  or  six-sided  prisms. 


Var.  4.     PYUALLOLITE.* 

Pyrallolite,  P.  C. 

Ext.  Char.  —  Color,  greenish,  becomes  white  by  long 
exposure  ;  occurs  massive,  and  in  crystals  ;  form  the 
flat  rhombic  prism,  resembling  the  bladed  variety  of 
tremolite  ;  crystals  an  inch  or  more  long  ;  fracture  dull 
and  earthy  ;  cleaves  into  triangular  prisms,  but  not 
with  shining  faces  ;  opake,  or  in  thin  lamina?,  translu- 
cent :  sp  gr.  2.57. 

Chem.  Char.  Becomes  black,  then  white,  and  the  edges  are  redu- 
ced to  a  white  enamel.  In  powder,  phosphoresces  on  hot  iron. 

Comp.  Silex  56.6  ;  alumine  3.4  ;  lime  5.6  ;  magnesia  23.4  ;  ox- 
ide of  iron  and  manganese  1.1  ;  bituminous  matter  and  loss  6.4.  — 
'NordmsMold. 

Local.  Pargas,  in  Finland,  in  foliated  limestone. 

U.  8.  Kingsbridge,  N.  Y.  in  limestone.  —  Nuttatt. 

Var.  5.       CALAMlTE.f 

Calamite,  P.  M. 

Ept.  Char.  —  Color,  light  green  ;  occurs  in  rhombic 
prisms,  striated  longitudinally  ;  translucent  ;  cleavage 
parallel  to  the  sides  of  a  rhombic  prism  ;  soft  ;  resem- 
bles tremolite  in  the  form  of  its  crystals,  which  are 
traversed  by  fissures. 

Local  Normark,  in  Sweden,  with  oxide  of  iron. 

Obs.  Treiuolite  is  a  common  and  abundant  mineral.  It  is  found 
in  limestone,  and  particularly  in  that  variety  called  dolomite.  It  was 
first  found  in  the  mountains  of  Tremola,  in  Switzerland,  whence  the 
name. 

Local.  Its  foreign  locations  are  very  numerous.  Beautiful  speci-* 
mens  cone  from  St.  Gothard,  in  Switzerland. 

*  From  the  Greek,  signifying  change  by  fire,  in  allusion  to  its  turning  black 
or  white  under  the  hl<>-\  pipe. 

f  From  Calamus,  Latin,  a  reed,  from  the  appearance  of  (he  crystal, 


ACTYNOLITE. 


61 


V.  S.  Litchfield  and  Washington,  Con.  Beautiful  specimens  of 
the  bladed  and  fibrous  varieties  are  found  at  both  places  in  dolomite. 
Also  at  Milford,  Canaan,  and  Goshen,  Con.  Newbury  and  Bolton, 
Mass.  Great  Harrington  and  Sheffield,  do.  At  Sheffield  the  fibres 
are  two  feet  long  — Dewey.  Wardsborough  and  Bellows  Falls,  Ver. 
Near  Baltimore,  Md.  East  Marl  borough,  Penn.  fibres  a  foot  long. — 
Jesmp.  Kingsbridge  and  Tarrytown,  N.  Y.  Smithfield,  R.  1.  very 
beautiful. —  Webb.  West  Marlborough,  Penn. 

Species  41.     ACTYNOLITE. 

Variety  of  Amphibole,  H.     Amphibole  Actinote,  Bt.     Actynolite,  J. 

P.  C. 

Ext.  Char. — Colors,  green,  sometimes  deep  and 
beautiful,  also  dark  green  and  brownish  ;  occurs  in  sin- 
gle, long,  straight,  four-sided  flattened  prisms,  crossing 
each  other  at  various  angles,  and  in  fibrous  masses, 
either  radiated  or  curved  ;  lustre  highly  shining ;  crys- 
tals often  deeply  striated  ;  translucent;  scratches  glass; 
brittle  :  sp.  gr.  from  3  to  3.30. 

Chem.  Char.  On  the  first  application  of  the  heat,  it  turns  deep 
brown,  afterwards  becomes  ash  grey,  with  the  edges  glazed  with  a 
black  enamel  ;  tinges  borax  light  green. 

Comp.  Silex  50  ;  alumine  0  75  ;  lime  9.75  ;  magnesia  19.75  ; 
oxide  of  iron  1 1  ;  oxide  of  chrome  3  ;  of  manganese  0.5  ;  potash 
0.5  ;  water  5.0. — Laugier. 

Dist.  Char.  Its  color  will  distinguish  it  from  hornblende  and  tre- 
molite,  both  of  which  it  very  nearly  resembles  in  form.  Epidote  is  of 
a  lighter,  or  yellowish  green,  and  zeolite  is  greyish  white. 

Var.   1.       BLADED  ACTYNOLITE. 

Amphibole  hexaedre,  H.     Common  Actynolite,  J.  C.     Crystallized 

Actynolite,  P. 

Ext.  Char. — Color,  deep  green,  often  of  various 
shades  in  the  same  crystal ;  occurs  in  long  slender,  flat, 
four  or  six-sided  crystals,  with  alternate  sharp  lateral 
edges,  and  often  deeply  striated  ;  summits  commonly 
incomplete  ;  translucent ;  lustre  shining;  brittle  ;  com- 
monly occurs  in  talc,  crystals  crossing  each  other  at 
various  angles. 

£0  94 


Fig.  20.  A  flat  six-sided  prism,  the  common  form. 
Fig.  21.  The  same  with  the  lateral  edges  truncated, 


62-  HYPERSTHENE. 

Var.  2.     ACICULAR  ACTYNOLITE. 
Asbestus  Actynolite,  J.     Acicular  Actynolite,  C. 
Ext.  Char.  —  Color,  lighter  green  than  the  bladed  ; 
occurs  in  capillary  crystals,  closely  aggregated,  and 
either  parallel,  intersecting,  diverging,   or  radiating 
from  a  centre  ;  lustre  glistening  ;  opake  ;  harsh  to  the 
touch  ;  brittle  and  inelastic. 

Var.  3.  Glassy  Actynolite.      It  differs  from  the  above  variety,  in 
possessing  a  vitreous,  or  glassy  lustre. 

.  4.       ASBESTIFORM  ACTYNOLITE. 


Amphibole  fibreux.     Fibrous  Actynolite,  C.     Asbestiform  Acty- 
nolite, P. 

Ext.  Char.  —  Color,  greenish  grey  ;  occurs  in  slender, 
somewhat  elastic,  fibrous  crystals,  closely  aggregated  ; 
lustre  silky  ;  fibres  parallel  or  diverging,  and  easily 
separable  by  '.he  fingers  ;  very  brittle. 

Dist.  Char.  It  resembles  amianthus,  but  is  easily  known  from  it, 
by  its  brittleness. 

Var  5.  MASSIVE  ACTYNOLITE. 
Massive  Actynolite,  C. 

Ext.  Char.  —  Color,  green  ;  occurs  in  lamellar  masses, 
Composed  of  granular  concretions  ;  structure  foliated  ; 
also  disseminated  in  other  minerals. 

Obs.  Actynolite  is  found  in  primitive  rocks,  as  granite,  mica  slate, 
and  in  veins  of  talc. 

Local  Tyrol,  and  St.  Gothard,  in  long  six-sided  prisms.  Norway, 
Saxony,  Piedmont,  England,  Scotland,  and  most  other  countries. 

U.  S.  Bolton,  Middlefield,  Hawley,  and  Chelmsford,  Mass.  Wind- 
ham,  Ver.  in  compressed  four-sided  prisms,  sometimes  five  inches 
long.  —  Hall.  Brunswick,  Maine,  in  all  its  varieties.  —  Cleveland.  Near 
New  Haven,  and  also  at  Litchfield  and  Canton,  Conn.  Near  Balti- 
more, Md.  in  all  its  varieties.  Concord,  Penn.  in  large  masses.  —  Con- 
rad. On  the  Island  of  New  York,  N.  Y.  Near  Philadelphia,  Pa. 

Species  42.     HYPERSTHENE 
Hypersthene  H.  J.  A.  P.  C.     Labrador  Hornblende  K. 
Ext.  Char.  —  Color,  blackish  green,  or  dark  brown  ; 
occurs  massive  ;  structure  lamellar  ;  cleavage  parallel 
to  the  sides,  and  shorter  diagonals  of  a  rhombic  prism  ; 
lustre,  when  viewed  in  certain  directions,  greenish,  in 
others,   copper  red,  and  strongly  metallic  ;  opake  or 
translucent  on  the  edges  ;  powder,  dark  greenish  grey  ; 
yields  to  the  knife  slightly  ;  scratches  glass. 


METALLOIDAL  DIALLAGE.       GREEN  DIALLAGE.  6& 

Client.  Char.  Fusible  on  the  sharp  edges  ;  with  borax,  gives  a  dark 
green  glass. 

Comp.  Silex,  54.25 ;  magnesia,  14.0 ;  alumine  2.25 ;  lime  15  ; 
oxide  of  iron,  24  5  ;  water,  1 . — Klaproth. 

Local.  Hypersthene  was  first  found  on  the  coast  of  Labrador,  and 
hence  has  been  called  Labrador  hornblende.  It  occurs,  forming  a 
constituent  of  a  rock,  with  Labrador  felspar.  It  is  also  found  in 
Greenland. 

V.  S.  On  Brandy  wine  creek,  Penn.  color  dark  green  ;  lustre  me- 
tallic.— Jessup.  Hingham,  Mass,  with  hornblende.  Essex,  JV.  Y, 
crystals  two  or  three  inches  long,  color  greyish  brown.—  Hall. 

Uses.  It  is  sometimes  cut  and  polished  for  ringstones,  and  broach- 
es.— Cleveland. 

Species  43.     METALLOIDAL  DIALLAGE. 

Diallage  metalloide,  H.      Schiller-Spar,  A.  P.      Metalloidal  Dial- 
lage,  C.     Hemi-Prismatic  Schiller-Spar,  M. 

Ext.  Char. — Colors,  bottle,  emerald,  or  olive  green, 
metallic  grey,  brownish,  or  nearly  white  ;  occurs  mas- 
sive ;  structure  lamellar,  sometimes  curved ;  lustre 
metallic  ;  opake ;  colors  suddenly  appear  and  disap- 
pear as  the  specimen  is  turned  towards  the  light,  in 
this  respect  resembling  the  Labrador  felspar :  sp.  gr. 
about  3. 

Chem.  Char.  Fusible  with  difficulty  into  a  blackish  enamel. 

Comp.  Silex  41 ;  alumine  3;  lime  1  ;  magnesia  29;  oxide  of  iron 
14  ;  water  10. — Drappier. 

It  is  commonly  found  in  serpentine. 

Local.  Tyrol,  Saxony,  Scotland,  England. 

U.  S.  Near  Haverstraw  Bay,  N.  Y.—Schaeffer.  Middlefield, 
Mass. 

Species  44.     GREEN  DIALLAGE. 

Diallage  Vert,  H.      Diallage,  J.     Smaragdite,  A.  P.     Green  Dial- 
lage, C.     Paratomous  Augite-Spar  M. 

Ext.Chor. — Color,  brilliant  emerald  green,  or  grass 
green  ;  occurs  massive  and  disseminated  ;  structure 
foliated ;  cleavage  parallel  to  the  sides  and  diagonals 
of  a  slightly  rhombic  prism  ;  opake  or  translucent ; 
lustre  of  the  lamina,  pearly  or  silky ;  scratches  car- 
bonate of  lime  :  sp  gr.  about  3. 

Chem.  Char.  Fusible  with  difficulty  into  a  grey,  or  greenish  ena- 
mel. 

C*mp.  Silex  50;  alumine  21  ;  lime  13  ;  magnesia  3  ;  with  alit- 
'tle  oxide  of  iron  and  chrome, 


64  ASBESTUS. 

Local  On  the  banks  of  the  Lake  of  Geneva,  in  saussurite.  Near 
Turin.  Corsica  and  Switzerland. 

U.  S.  Crown  Point,  N.  Y. — Gibbs.  New  Haven,  Conn,  in  ser- 
pentine.— Hall 

Species  44.     ASBESTUS. 
Asbeste,  H.     Asbestus,  J.  A.  P.  C.     Hemi-Prismatic  Augite- 

Spar,  M. 

There  are  several  varieties  of  this  mineral,  which  differ  considerably 
in  their  external  characters  but  they  generally  agree  in  possessing 
afbrous  structure,  more  or  less  a  vegitable  appearance,  and  in  be- 
ing infusible  in  a  common  Jire. 

Far.  1.     AMIANTHUS. 
Asbeste  flexible,  H.     Amianthus,  J.  A.  P.  C. 

Ext.  Char. — Colors,  white,  yellowish,  silver  grey, 
greenish,  and  reddish  ;  occurs  in  long  threads  or  plates, 
easily  separable  :  lustre  silky ;  somewhat  unctuous  to 
the  touch ;  soft,  flexible,  and  elastic ;  fibres  usually 
straight,  often  resembling  raw  flax,  and  sometimes  the 
finest  silk. 

Ckem.  Char.  Becomes  white,  brittle,  and  opake,  and  then  melts  in- 
to a  white  enamel  ;  gives  a  diaphanous  glass  with  borax. 

Comp.  Silex59;  alumine3;  lime  6;  magnesia  29. — Chenevix. 

Dist.  Char.  It  resembles  amianthoide,  byssolite  and  common  as- 
bestus  The  two  first  are  fusible  in  a  black  enamel  and  tinge  borax 
green.  Asbestus  is  inflexible ;  the  others  are  flexible. 

It  is  found  in  veins,  in  serpentine. 

Local.  Corsica,  in  great  abundance.  Savoy,  fibres  a  foot  long. 
Pyrennees,  Cornwall,  &c. 

U.  S.  Hoboken,  N.  J.  Staten  Island,  N.  Y.  it  is  uncommonly 
beautiful.  The  fibres  are  sometimes  more  than  two  feet  long. — Pierce 
and  Torry.  New  Haven,  Conn,  in  serpentine  ;  also  at  New  Milford. 
Some  specimens  are  exceedingly  soft  and  fine.  Kellyvale  Ver.  Mount 
Holly  Mass,  very  abundant. — Hall. 

Uses.  It  is  said  that  the  ancients  preserved  the  ashes  of  their  dead, 
by  wrapping  their  bodies  in  cloth  made  of  this  substance,  before  they 
were  committed  to  the  funeral  pile.  It  was  also  used  for  incombus- 
tible wicks  ;  but  is  now  considered  chiefly  as  a  curiosity. 

In  Siberia  it  is  said  to  be  manufactured  into  various  articles,  as 
gloves,  purses,  &  c.  Incombustible  paper  has  also  been  made  of  it, 
and  if  it  be  a  fact,  that  ultra-marine  blue,  will  "  stand  proof  by  fire ; 
as  it  was  anciently  advertised  to  do,  we  should  have  the  materials  for 
making  incombustible  records,  an  improvement  of  great  consequence 
to  the  world. 

Cloth  is  made,  by  mixing  the  amianthus  with  flax,  and  spinning  and 
weaving  the  mixture  in  the  usual  way,  after  which  the  flax  is  burned 
out,  and  the  incombustible  cloth  remains.  When  such  cloth  requires 


ASBESTUS.  65 

deaning,  it  may  be  thrown  into  a  fire,  and  moderately  heated  for  a  few 
minutes.     A  strong  heat  would  render  it  brittle. 

Var.  2.     COMMON  ASBESTUS. 
Asbest  dur,  H.     Common  Asbestus,  J.  P.  C. 
Ext.  Char. — Colors,  greenish  grey,  green,  or  yellow- 
ish grey ;  occurs  massive,  composed  of  fibres  of  various 
lengths,  eitherjbtraight,  curved,  or  radiating  from  a  cen- 
tre ;  often  appears  nearly  compact  from  the  close  ag- 
fregation  of  its   fibres  ;  fracture  splintery  or  fibrous  ; 
bres  inflexible   and    inelastic  ;    translucent   on   the 
edges ;  lustre  shining ;  sp.  gr.  from  2.5 1.  to  3. 

Chem.  Char.  Easily  fusible  into  a  dark  enamel 

Comp.  Silex  63.5 ;  magnesia  16.0;  lime  12.8;  alumine  1.1;  ox- 
ide of  iron  (>. — Bergman. 

Dist.  Char.  Its  inelasticity  will  distinguish  it  from  amianthus,  and 
its  softness,  particularly  in  powder,  from  tremolite  and  actynolite. 

It  is  usually  found  in  serpentine. 

Local.  Sweden,  Hungary,  Uralian  mountains,  &c. 

U.S.  On  the  summit  of  the  Green  mountains,  Ver. — flail.  New 
Castle  county,  Del.  in  abundance.  On  the  Island  of  New  York,  /V. 
Y.  Also  on  the  banks  of  the  Hudson.  Washington,  and  near  New 
Haven,  Conn. 

Var.  3.     MOUNTAIN  CORK. 
Asbeste  tressee,  H.     Mountain  Cork,  A.  P.  C. 
Ext.  Char. — Colors,  grey,  brown,  yellowish  brown, 
or  pale  yellow ;  occurs  in  amorphous,  or  flattish  pieces ; 
structure  fibrous,  with  the  fibres  interlacing  each  other 
in  every   direction  ;    it  is  somewhat  elastic,    and  so 
light  as  to  swim  in  water. 

Var.    4.       LIGNIFORM  ASBESTUS. 

Asbeste  ligniforme,  H.  Ligniform  Asbestus,  K.  A.  P.  C. 
Ext.  Char. — Colors,  brownish,  or  yellowish  ;  occurs 
massive,  structure  fibrous,  often  much  resembling  chips 
of  wood ;  it  is  hard,  the  fibres  rigid,  sometimes  straight, 
but  often  interwoven,  curved  or  radiated  ;  opake  and 
dull :  sp.  gr.  about  2. 

Chem.  Char.  Fusible  with  difficulty,  into  a  black  slag. 
Local.   U.  S.  Mount  Holly,  Ver.     Newlin  township,  Penn. 

Var.  5.    MOUNTAIN  LEATHER. 
Mountain  Leather,  P.     Variety  of  Hock  Cork,  J  A. 
Ext.  Char. — Colors,  brown,  yellowish  white,  or  red* 


66  SAPPHIRE. 

dish  ;  occurs  in  flat  layers  composed  of  fibres,  straight, 
or  curved  ;  opake  ;  layers  sometimes  separable  ;  has 
more  or  less  the  aspect  of  leather. 

Local  Washington,  Conn. 

Var.  5.     MOUNTAIN  PAPER. 

Ext.  Char. — Color,  white  ;  lustre  silky,  or  pearly ; 
separable  into  thin  layers,  having  the  aspect  of  pa- 
per. 

Local.  Washington,  Conn. 

Specks  46.     SAPPHIRE. 

Corundum  hyalin,  H.  Rhombohedral  Corundum,  J.  Sapphire,  C. 
Perfect  Sapphire,  P.      Rhombohedral  Corundum,  M. 

Ext. Char. — Colors,  blue,  red,  violet,  yellow,  green, 
and  chatoyant ;  also  limpid ;  occurs  crystallized,  and 
in  rolled  pebbles  and  angular  fragments  ;  primary  form 
the  rhomb  ;  secondary  forms  the  regular  six-sided 
prism,  often  truncated,  and  the  double  six-sided  pyra- 
mid, or  dodecahedron  ;  also  modified  by  truncation  ; 
transparent  or  translucent ;  hardness  only  inferior  to 
that  of  the  diamond  ;  fracture  conchoidal  ;  cleavage 
indistinct :  sp.  gr.  about  4. 

jar 


Fig.  22.  A  double  six-sided  pyramid. 

Fig.  23.  A  short  six-sided  prism,  with  the  solid  angles  alternately 
truncated.  These  are  the  common  forms. 

Chem.  Char  Infusible  alone,  but  loses  its  color.  With  borax 
slowly  dissolves  into  a  colorless  glass. 

Comp.  Alumine  98.5  ;  lime  0.5  ;  oxide  of  iron  1  — Klaproth. 

Remark.   The  varieties  of  sapphire  depend  on  its  different  colors. 

Far.  1.  BLUE  SAPPHIRE.     ( Oriental  Sapphire. J 

Ext.Char.— Color,  azure,  or  indigo  blue  ;  translu- 
cent or  transparent. 

Obs.  The  color  of  this  variety  often  differs  in  the  same  specimen, 
some  parts  being  deep  blue,  while  others  are  nearly  colorless. 


SAPPHIRE.  67 

2.     RED  SAPPHIRE.    ( Oriental  Ruby.} 
Ext.  Char. — Color,  blood  red,  passing  into  aurora,  or 
rose  red  ;  cleavage  more  distinct  than  in  the  blue  va- 
riety;  sometimes  chatoyant,  translucent  or  transpa- 
rent. 

Far.  3.     ASTERIATED  SAPPHIRE. 

Ext.  Char. — Colors,  reddish,  or  violet.  When  cut 
in  a  certain  manner  it  shows  a  silvery  star,  of  six  rays. 

Obs.  The  term  oriental,  merely  signifies,  that  the  stone  comes 
from  the  east,  and  as  most  of  the  gems  come  from  the  eastern  quar- 
ter of  the  globe,  dealers  in  these  articles,  often  attach  this  epithet  to 
the  name  of  the  stone,  in  order  to  raise  its  value. 

2.  In  addition  to  the  above  varieties,  lapidaries  make  the  following 
distinctions  The  violet  sapphire,  is  called  Oriental  Amethyst. 
The  yellow  sapphire,  Oriental  Topaz.  Green  sapphire,  Oriental 
Emerald. 

Sapphires  are  found  in  alluvial  earths,  and  in  the  sand  of  rivers,, 
generally  at  the  foot  of  primitive  mountains.  Their  matrix  is  prim- 
itive rock,  as  granite  and  gneiss,  though  it  has  seldom  been  found  in 
its  native  situation. 

Local.  The  finest  are  found  in  Pegu,  on  the  Island  of  Ceylon,  and 
in  the  kingdom  of  Ava  in  the  East  Indies.  It  occurs  also  in  Bohe- 
mia, France,  Switzerland,  and  Portugal. 

Obs.  1.  The  sapphire  is  often  mentioned  in  scripture,  and  was  the 
fifth  stone  in  order,  on  the  high  priest's  pectoral,  or  breast-plate  of 
judgment,  having  the  name  of  SIMEON  inscribed  upon  it. 

2.  Pliny  says,  that  the  best  sapphires  come  from  Media  ;  perhaps 
from  Mount  Sephar  mentioned  by  Moses.  Calmet  says,  that  Shaphir 
in  Hebrew,  which  he  translates  sapphire,  signifies  beauty,  and  that 
the  orientals  had  an  extraordinary  esteem  for  this  stone.  Those  who 
wore  it  about  them  thought  it  to  be  the  occasion  of  their  happiness 
and  good  fortune. 

Uses.  The  sapphire  is  ranked  among  the  most  valuable  of  gems.  It 
yields  in  hardness  only  to  the  diamond,  and  is  employed  in  the  finest 
kind  of  jewelry.  It  is  also  employed  for  jewelling  the  pivot  holes  of 
chronometers,  and  other  astronomical  instruments. 

Obs.  1.  No  ancient  engravings  exist  on  this  stone,  probably  be- 
cause its  hardness  is  such,  as  to  resist,  like  the  diamond,  the  ancient 
means  of  engraving  gems. 

2.  Since  diamond  dust  has  been  used  for  cutting  hard  stones,  the  * 
sapphire  has  been  employed  by  a  few  artists.      Caldore  engraved  a 
portrait  of  Henry  IV,  of  France,  on  a  sapphire,  which  was  in  the  cab 
inet  of  the  Duke  of  Orleans,  and  one  or  two  German  artists  have 
tried  their  skill  upon  it. 

3.  The  red  variety  is  most  esteemed  under  the  name  of  oriental 
ruby. 

4.  The  price  of  the  oriental  ruby  is  estimated  by  carats,  after  the 
manner  of  estimating  the  diamond. -(See  Diamond.) 

5.  A  perfect  ruby,  above  three  and  a  half  carats  or  fourteen  grains 


68  CORUNDUM. 

is  more  valuable  than  a  diamond  of  the  same  weight.  If  the  weight  be 
one  carat,  it  is  worth  ten  guineas,  two  carats  forty  guineas,  three  ca- 
rats, one  hundred  and  fifty  guineas,  six  carats,  above  one  thousand 
guineas.  It  is  said,  that  in  the  throne  of  the  Great  Mogul,  there  are 
one  hundred  and  eight  oriental  rubies,  weighing  from  one  hundred  to 
two  hundred  carats  each. 

A  blue  sapphire  of  good  quality,  weighing  ten  carats,  is  worth  fifty 
guineas,  one  of  twenty  carats,  is  worth  two  hundred  guineas. 

Among  the  crown  jewels  of  France,  is  a  ruby  weighing  one  hun- 
dred and  sixty-six  carats.  At  ten  guineas  the  carat,  this  would  be 
worth  two  hundred  seventy-five  thousand,  five  hundred  and  sixty 
guineas.  It  is  said  that  the  lapidaries  expose  the  light-blue  varieties 
to  a  certain  degree  of  heat,  when  they  become  white,  and  are  worn 
instead  of  the  diamond. 

The  sapphire  is  cut  with  diamond  dust,  and  polished  with  emery. 

Species  47.     CORUNDUM. 

Corindon  harmophane  opake.  H.  Common  Corundum,  P.  A.    Ad- 
amantine Spar,  K.     Corundum,  C. 

Fxi.  Char. — Colors,  greenish,  greyish  green,  reddish, 
yellowish,  bluish,  brown,  or  white;  occurs  in  six-sided 
crystals,  in  rolled  pieces,  also  granular  and  amorphous ; 
structure  foliated  ;  cleaves  into  rhomboidal  fragments; 
lustre  shining  ;  translucent  or  opake  :  sp.  gr.  nearly 
4  ;  hardness  neaHy  equal  to  that  of  sapphire. 

Chem.  Char.  Infusible.  Fusible  by  the  compound  blowpipe. — Sil- 
liman. 

Comp.  Alumine85.5;  silexT;  oxide  of  iron  14. — CJienevix. 

Dist.  Char.  The  extreme  hardness  of  this  mineral,  will  distinguish 
it  from  all  others  which  it  resembles. 

Local.  India,  in  the  kingdom  of  Ava,  on  the  coast  of  Malabar.  At 
Bengal,  in  China,  Thibet.  &c.  It  is  accompanied  with  garnet,  fibro- 
lite,  zireon  and  magnetic  iron. 

Obs.  1.  That  of  China  and  Ava  is  brown,  or  greenish,  and  sometimes 
ttearly  black.  That  of  the  Carnatic  is  blue,  or  reddish  purple.  That 
of  Thibet  is  reddish  brown,  often  coated  with  steatite. 

2.  The  variety  which  comes  from  China,  was  formerly  called  ada- 
mantine spar. 

U.  S.  Laurens  District,  S.  C.  A  six-sided  prism  has  been  found. 
.  Litchfield,  Conn,  in  cyanite.     It  is  greyish  blue,  and  occurs  massive 
and  in  six-sided  prisms. — Brace. 

Uses.  It  is  employed  like  emery,  for  the  polishing  of  hard  stones 
and  metals. 

Var.  1.     EMERY. 
Corindon  granulaire,  H.     Emeril,  Bt.     Emery,  K.  J.  P.  C. 

Ext.  Char. — Colors,  blackish  or  bluish  grey,  powder 
brownish  black ;  occurs  massive  ;  structure  finely 
granular  ;  fracture  uneven,  or  splintery ;  opake ;  lustre 


DIASPOSE.       TURQUOISE.  69 

a  little  glistening,  or  somewhat  metallic  ;  hardness 
equal  to  corundum  ;  conducts  electricity  :  sp.gr,  4. 

Comp.  Its  constituents  are  the  same  as  those  of  corundum. 

Local  Saxony,  in  steatite.  Naxos,  in  the  Archipelago,  where  it 
is  found  in  abundance,  in  fragments,  or  rolled  pieces  at  the  foot  of  a 
primitive  mountain.  Italy,  Spain,  East  Indies,  and  Ireland. 

Obs.  The  emery  of  commerce,  is  chiefly  from  Naxos. 

Uses.  It  is  employed  almost  universally  in  cutting  and  polishing 
stones,  steel,  &c.  For  this  purpose  it  is  reduced  to  powder  in  a  steel 
mill. 

Even  the  sapphire  and  oriental  ruby,  the  hardest  substances,  next 
to  the  diamond,  yields  to  emery  when  placed  on  the  lapidary's  wheel. 

Species  48.     DIASPORE.* 

Diaspore,  H.  P.  C.  M. 

Ext.  Char. — Color,  greenish  grey  ;  occurs  massive, 
consisting  of  laminae  slightly  curved,  and  easily  sepa- 
rated ;  occurs  also  in  cellular  masses,  consisting  of 
slender  crystals  ;  lustre  pearly ;  translucent  in  thin  la- 
minae ;  also,  though  rarely,  in  separate  crystals,  in  form 
of  a  doubly  oblique  prism  :  sp.  gr.  3.43. 

Chem.  Char.  In  the  flame  of  a  candle,  it  crackles,  and  is  dispersed 
in  minute  fragments,  or  spangles.  It  is  infusible  alone  ;  with  borax 
melts  into  a  colorless  glass. 

Comp.  Alumine*  80  ;  water  17  ;  iron  3. — Vauquelin. 

Nothing  is  known  of  its  geological  situation. 

O&5.  When  heated  in  a  retort,  it  decrepitates  violently,  and  splits 
into  small  white  brilliant  scales. — Phillips. 

Species  49.     TURQUOISE. 

Calaite.     Oriental    Turquoise,   P.      Turquoise,  C.     Mineral  Tur- 
quoise, J.     Calaite,  M. 

Ext.  Char. — Color,  bluish  green,  passing  into  sky 
blue,  and  apple  green  ;  occurs  in  reniform  masses,  from 
the  size  of  a  nut  to  that  of  a  goose's  egg ;  opake  ;  pow- 
der white  ;  lustre  waxy,  or  dull ;  fracture  corichoidal ; 
not  so  hard  as  quartz  ;  decomposes  on  the  outside, 
when  it  resembles  porcelain  clay ;  sp.  gr.  about  3. 

Chem.  Char.  Infusible  alone  ;  with  borax  melts  into  a  limpid 
glass.  Suffers  no  change  with  acids. 

Comp.  Alumine  73 ;  water  18 ;  oxide  of  copper  4.5  ;  oxide  of 
iron  4. — Johns. 

Local  Persia  and  Turkey,  in  alluvial  soils. 

Obs.  A  kind  of  turquoise,  which  for  distinction  is  called  occidental 

*  From  the  Greek,  in  allusion  to  its  being  dispersed  by  heat. 


70  G  IBB  SITE.      FIBROLITE. 

turquoise,  is  found  near  the  town  of  Simore,  in  Lower  Languedoc. 
This  is  supposed  to  consist  of  horns,  or  teeth  of  animals,  penetrated 
and  colored  by  oxide,  or  carbonate  of  copper.  This  variety  consists 
chiefly  of  phosphate  of  lime. 

Uses.  The  oriental  turquoise  receives  a  fine  polish,  and  is  much 
esteemed  for  ring  stones,  bracelets,  watch  ornaments,  &c.  It  is 
greatly  esteemed  by  the  Persians,  who  work  it  into  handles  for  sabres, 
&/c. 

Obs.  \.  The  ancients,  especially  the  Egyptians,  held  this  stone  in 
great  estimation.  Some  firte  engravings  were  executed  on  it,  but  it 
was  considered  much  too  soft  for  this  purpose. 

2.  This  stone  is  so  nearly  imitated  by  the  French  lapidaries  as 
to  make  it  difficult  to  discover  the  difference. 

Species  50.     GIBBSITE  *—  Torrey. 

Gibbsite,  C.  P.  M. 

Ext.  Char. — Colors,  greenish,  yellowish,  or  greyish 
white ;  occurs  in  irregular  stalactical  masses,  with  a 
knobby  surface,  from  one  to  three  inches  in  length,  and 
an  inch  in  diameter ;  presenting  an  aggregation  of  elon- 
gated tuberose  masses,  somewhat  resembling  those  of 
prehnite  ;  structure  fibrous,  radiating  from  the  centre ; 
translucent  on  the  edges  ;  easily  reduced  to  powder  ; 
harder  than  calcareous  spar :  sp.  gr.  2.40. 

Chem.  Char.  Infusible,  but  whitens.  Does  not  effervesce  with 
acids. 

Comp.  Alumine  64.8  ;  water  34.7. —  Torrey. 

Obs.  This  is  a  new  mineral. 

Local  U.  S.  Richmond,  Mass,  in  a  neglected  mine  of  brown  hae- 
matite;  where  it  was  discovered  by  Dr.  Emmons.  Also  at  Pittsfield. 
Mass. 

Species  61.     FIBROLITE.t 
Fibrolite,  H.  Bt.  P.  C.  J.  M. 

Ext.  Char. — Colors,  white,  or  greyish  white  ;  occurs 
in  minute  fibres,  closely  united,  and  crossing  each  other 
in  various  directions  ;  harder  than  quartz  ;  form  inde- 
terminate ;  electric  by  friction  :  sp.  gr.  3.2. 

Chem.  Char.  Infusible.  Emits  a  phosphoric  light,  when  two  pieced 
arc  rubbed  together. 

Comp.     Alumine  58.25  ;  silex38  ;  iron  0.75. — Chenevix. 

Local.  It  is  found  with  corundum  in  the  Carnatic  and  China.  It 
is  a  rare  mineral. 

U.  S.  Cummington,  Mass. — Nuttall     Saybrook,  Con.—Nuttatl. 

*  In  horror  of  Col.  Gibbs. 
t  Because  it  occurs  in  fibres. 


FINITE.      KYANITE.  71 

Species  M.    FINITE. 
Finite,  H.  J.  Bt.  A.  P>  C. 

Ext.  Char. — Colors,  brown,  blackish  brown,  or  grey; 
occurs  in  crystals  only  ;  form  the  regular  six-sided 
prism,  variously  modified  by  truncation  ;  sometimes 
four  of  its  sides  are  extended,  while  the  others  are  di- 
minished, giving  it  the  aspect  of  a  four-sided  prism  with 
bevelled  edges  ;  sometimes  it  is  truncated  so  as  to  ap- 
pear as  a  twelve-sided  prism  ;  structure  foliated  ;  lus- 
tre glistening,  sometimes  slightly  metallic  ;  fracture 
splintery ;  powder  unctuous  ;  odor  argillaceous ;  opake 
or  translucent  on  the  edges :  sp.  gr.  2.98 ;  yields  to  the 
knife. 


Fig.  24.  A  twelve-sided  prism ;  or  a  six-sided  prism  so  truncated  as 
fo  give  twelve  faces. 

Chem.  Char.  Infusible,  but  becomes  glazed  on  the  edges, 

Comp.  Alumine  63.75  ;  silex  25.9  ;  oxide  of  iron  6.75.— #&- 
proth. 

Dist.  Char.  The  form  of  its  crystals,  which  often  appear  round, 
will  distinguish  it  from  most  other  minerals.  Some  specimens  have 
the  aspect  ot'mica.  It  is  softer  than  scapolite  or  cyanite. 

Local.  Saxony,  in  a  mine  called  Pirn,  whence  its  name.  France, 
Savoy,  Cornwall,  &LC. 

U.  S.  Haddam,  Con.  in  a  micaceous  rock,  crystals  several  inches 
long. — Sittiman.  Bellows  Falls,  N.  H.  in  cylindrical  crystals. — 
Hall.  Lancaster,  Mass,  in  six-sided  prisms. 

Species  S3.     KYANITE.     CYANITE.* 

Disthene,  H.   Bt.     Prismatic  Kyanite,  J.     Cyanite,  A.  P.  C,     Pris* 
matic  Disthene-Spar,  M.     Sappare. 

Ext.  Char. — Colors,  azure  blue,  passing  into  light 
blue,  or  bluish  white  ;  also  bluish  green,  greyish  white, 
and  reddish  ;  colors  often  vary  in  the  same  crystal, 
from  deep  blue,  running  in  veins,  to  bluish  white  ;  oc- 
curs in  masses,  composed  of  a  confused  aggregation  of 
crystals  ;  also  in  distinct  crystals ;  form,  four,  or  eight- 
sided  prims,  greatly  compressed,  and  having  two  broad 

*  From  ths  Greek,  signifying  blue. 


72  STAUROTIDE. 

shining  faces  ;  translucent  or  opake ;  lustre  pearly 
scratches  glass  ;  yields  a  little  to  the  knife :  sp.  gr. 
3.50. 


Fig.  25.  A  four-sided  lamellar  prism,  with  two  broad  and  two  nar- 
row faces. 

Chtm.  Char.  Infusible,  but  turns  white. 

Comp.  Alumine  55.5  ;  silex  43  ;  oxide  of  iron  0.5. — Laugier. 

Obs.  Cyanite  or  Sappare,  generally  occurs  in  long  imperfect  crys- 
tals closely  aggregated,  and  crossing,  or  standing  on  each  other,  so 
as  to  present  a  singular  and  curious  aspect.  Some  of  the  crystals  are 
curved,  others  are  corrugated,  or  wrinkled,  as  though  they  had  been 
pressed  endwise,  or  had  not  room  to  stretch  themselves  full  length, 
others  are  pressed  into  triangular  shapes,  &c. 

It  is  found  in  primitive  rocks,  especially  in  granite. 

Local.  Switzerland,  Tyrol,  Spain,  and  Hungary. 

U.  8.  Several  places  in  Maryland.  Chester  County,  Delaware 
County,  and  several  other  places  in  Perm.  Litchfield,  Harwinton, 
Middle  Haddam,  and  near  New-Haven,  Con.  That  of  Litchfield  is 
of  a  fine  azure  blue.  That  of  Haddam,  is  brown.  Chesterfield, 
Mass,  imperfect  crystals  sometimes  two  feet  long. — Webster.  Con- 
way,  Granville,  Deerfield,  and  Plainfield,  Mass.  Grafton,  Norwich, 
and  Bellows  Falls,  Ver.  Orford,  N.  H.  East  Marlborough,  and 
East  Bradford,  Penn. 

Var.  1.     RHETIZITE* 

Rhetizite,  J.  C. 

Ext.  Char. — Colors,  bluish  grey,  yellow,  greenish  and 
greyish  white  ;  occurs  in  masses  composed  of  aggre- 
gated fibres  or  in  laminaB ;  fracture  splintery  or  fibrous; 
lustre  shining  or  pearly  ;  structure  foliated  presenting 
broad  shining  faces,  or  fibrous  ;  opake,  or  translucent 
on  the  edges  :  sp.  gr.  3. 1 0. 

Local.    In  the  Tyrol,  at  Rhaetia. 

U.  S.  Kingsbridge,  N.  Y.—Schaeffer.     West  Chester,  N.  Y. 

Species  54.     STAUROTIDE. 
Staurotide,  H.  C.    Grenatite,  J.     Staurolite,  A.  P. 
Ext  Char. — Color,  reddish  brown  ;    occurs  crystal- 
lized, in  six-sided  prisms,  terminated  by  dihedral  sum- 


AUTOMOLITE. 


73 


mits,  often  variously  modified  by  truncation  ;  crystals 
often  cross,  or  intersect  each  other ;  lustre,  sometimes 
shining,  with  a  smooth  surface,  and  sometimes  rough 
arid  dull ;  scratches  quartz  ;  opake  or  translucent. 


Sff 


Fig.  26.  A  single  six-sided  prism,  the  common  form. 

Fig.  27.  Two  six-sided  prisms  united  in  the  form  of  a  cross.  This 
is  not  an  uncommon  form. 

Chem.  Char.  Infusible  alone  ;  dissolves  slowly  with  borax,  giving 
it  a  greenish  tinge. 

Comp.  Alurnine  52.25 ;  silex  27  ;  oxide  of  iron  18.50 ;  oxide  of 
manganese  0.25  —  Vauquelin. 

Dist.  Char.  Its  color  resembles  the  garnet,  but  its  form  and  infusi- 
bility  will  distinguish  them.  Titanite  has  a  metallic  lustre  and  a  dif- 
ferent form,  and  pinite  differs  from  it  in  form  and  color. 

Staurotide  is  found  most  frequently  in  mica-slate,  sometimes  in  gra- 
nite, and  gneiss. 

Local  V.  &  Bolton,  Litchfield,  Harwinton,  and  Haddam,  Con. 
Near  Baltimore,  Md.  Sheffield,  Northfield,  Cummington,  and  Mid- 
dlefield,  Mass.  Chester  and  Putney,  Ver.  Near  the  city  of  New- 
York,  N.  Y.  Winthrop,  Sidney,  Paris,  and  Hallpwell,  Maine. 

Species  55.— AUTOMOLITE. 

Spinelle  zincifere,  H.  Automolite,  J.  A.  P.  Gahnite,  C. 
Ext.  Char. — Colors,  dark  bluish  green,  or  blackish 
green  ;  occurs  in  octohedrons,  or  hexahedrons,  vari- 
ously modified  by  truncation  ;  faces  of  the  crystals 
often  unequal,  sometimes  mackled ;  cleavage  parallel 
to  all  its  planes  ;  scratches  glass ;  lustre  shining  and 
resinous ;  opake,  or  translucent  on  the  edges  :  sp.  gr. 
4.26  to  4.69. 

Chem.  Char.  Infusible  alone  ;  with  borax  in  powder,  gives  a  green- 
ish glass. 

Comp.  Alumine  42  ;  silex  4  ;  oxide  of  zinc  28  ;  oxide  of  iron  5  ; 
sulphur  17. — Vauquelin. 

Dist.  Char.  It  is  heavier,  and  not  so  hard  as  spinclle  ruby,  ami 
pleonaste  ;  garnet  is  fusible. 

Local.  Fahlun,  in  Sweden,  in  a  talcose  rock. 
«  U.  8.  Franklin  Iron  Works,  N.  J.—Phillifs. 

10 


74  TOPAZ. 

Species  56.     TOPAZ. 

Silice  fluatee  alumineuse,  H.     Prismatic  Topaz,  J.  M.     Topaz,  W. 

A.  I'.  C. 

Ext.Char. — Prevailing  color,  wine  yellow,  of  various 
tints,  also  bluish,  greenish,  lilac,  and  white ;  occurs 
crystallized,  in  rolled  pieces,  and  massive ;  form,  a  six, 
eight,  or  ten-sided  prism,  with  various  and  dissimular 
terminations  ;  structure  lamellar ;  cleavage  parallel  to 
the  sides  of  aright  rhombic  prism;  often  electric  by 
heat ;  fracture  small  conchoidal  ;  lustre  vitreous  ; 
scratches  quartz ;  translucent,  or  nearly  limpid :  sp. 
gr.  3.5. 

•fft;;!  i' 


Fig.  28.  An  eight-sided  prism,  terminated  by  four  unequal  planes. 

Fig.  29.  The  same  with  the  solid  angles  replaced  by  truncation. 

Ckem.  Char.  Infusible,  but  after  long  heating  becomes  opake  : 
with  borax  melts  into  a  limpid  glass. 

Comp.  (Yellow  Brazilian.)  Alumine  47.5  ;  silex  44.5  ;  fluoric 
acid  7  ;  oxide  of  iron  0.5. — Klaproth. 

Remark.  In  the  composition  of  this  species,  there  is  a  considerable 
variety. 

Dist.  Char,  It  is  harder  than  citrine,  which  is  infusible  with  bo- 
rax. The  greenish  Siberian  topaz  becomes  electric  by  heat,  and  not 
by  rubbing.  The  emerald  and  beryl  are  not  electric  at  all.  From 
colored  glass,  which  is  often  sold  for  real  topaz,  it  may  be  distinguish- 
ed by  a  fine  file,  which  will  scratch  the  paste,  but  not  the  topaz. 

Topaz  belongs  to  primitive  rocks. 

Local.  Siberia,  Saxony,  Bohemia,  Brazil,  Savoy.  Cornwall,  Eng. 
and  Aberdeenshire,  Scotland. 

U.  S.  Huntington,  Con.  Color,  honey  yellow  ;  structure  foliated. 
One  crystal  from  this  locality  weighed  1  3-41  b,  and  a  fragment  of  an- 
other 21b.  loz. — Hitchcock.  Goshen,  Mass.  This  locality  was  dis- 
covered by  the  Rev.  Mr.  Hitchcock.  It  exactly  resembles  the  lim- 
pid topaz  of  Rio  Janeiro. 

Remark.  The  largest  crystal  of  topaz,  probably  ever  in  Europe 
weighs  7  ounces,  and  was  found  in  Aberdeenshire. — Jameson. 

Obs.  1.  The  topaz  was  known  to  Moses.  But  whether  it  was  the 
same  which  we  call  by  that  name  may  admit  of  doubts.  The  ancient 
topaz  was  of  a  green  color.  Pliny  says  it  was  first  found  by  king 
Ju  >  i,  but  whether  he  means  the  same  stone  with  that  mentioned  by 
is  also  uncertain. 


PYCNITE.       CHRYSOBERYL.  75 

'2.  The  topaz  was  the  second  of  the  first  row  in  the  Jewish  ponti- 
fical ore-  stplate,  with  the  name  of  Simeon  inscribed  on  it. 

Uses.  The  yellow  variety  is  chiefly  employed  in  jewelry,  and  when 
of  an  equal  color,  and  without  flaws,  it  is  considerably  esteemed, 
though  much  too  common  to  be  highly  valued  by  the  lapidaries. 

O65.  1.  The  ancients  engraved  on  the  topaz,  of  which  a  few  exam- 
ples still  remain.  In  the  imperial  library  at  Paris,  there  is  a  beauti- 
ful intaglio  on  this  gem,  representing  an  Indian  Bacchus.  The  cabi- 
net of  the  emperor  of  Russia  also  contains  several  portraits  of  empe- 
rors, and  empresses  on  the  same  stone. 

2.  The  topaz  is  polished  on  a  copper  wheel  withtripoli  and  spirits 
of  wine. 

Var.    I.       PYROPHYSALITE. 

Pyrophysalite,  J.  A.  P.  C. 

Ext.  Char. — Colors,  greenish  white,  or  pale  bluish 
green  ;  occurs  in  small  roundish  masses,  and  in  crys- 
tals ;  translucent  or  opake  ;  structure  lamellar  in  one 
direction  ;  fracture,  uneven  or  conchoidal ;  lustre  glim- 
mering ;  not  so  hard  as  quartz :  sp.  gr.  3.4. 

Chem.  Char.  It  intumesces,  and  gives  out  a  greenish  phosphoric 
light. — Phillips. 

Comp.  It  is  composed  of  nearly  the  same  ingredients  as  topaz. 
Local.  Fahlun  and  Fin  bo,  in  Sweden. 
U.  S.  Goshen,  Mass. 

Species  57.     PYCNITE. 
Pycnite,  H.  A.  P.  C.     Schorlous  Topaz,  J. 
Ext.  Char. — Color,  dull  yellowish,  or  reddish  white  ; 
occurs  in  long  six-sided  prisms,  longitudinally  striated; 
crystals,   closely  aggregated  laterally;  possesses   no 
regular  structure  ;   full  of  transverse  rents  ;  lustre  shi- 
ning ;  scratches  quartz ;  translucent ;  brittle  ;  electric 
by  heat :  sp.  gr.  3.5. 

Chem.  Char.  Infusible  alone  ;  with  borax  slowly  dissolves  into  a 
limpid  glass. 

Comp.  Alumine  60  ;  silex  30  ;  lime  2  ;  fluoric  acid  6  ;  water  1. — 
Vauquelin. 

Local.  Altenberg,  in  Saxony.  Bavaria,  Bohemia,  Norway,  Sibe- 
ria, &c.  i 

U.  S.  Chester,  Mass. 

Species  58.     CHRYSOBERYL  * 

Cymophane,  H.  A.     Chrysoberyl,  K.  J.  P.  C.     Prismatic  Corun- 
dum, M. 

Ext.  Char.-- Color,  green,  with  a  yellowish  or  brown- 

*  A  superior  kind  of  beryl' 


76  SPINELLE. 

ish  tinge,  sometimes  reflects  a  whitish  light,  which  ap- 
pears to  come  from  the  interior  of  the  crystal ;  occurs 
massive,  crystallized,  and  in  rolled  pieces  ;  form,  a 
short  broad  four  or  six-sided  prism,  or  table,  terminat- 
ed by  four  or  six-sided  summits  ;  translucent,  or  nearly 
transparent ;  structure  foliated  ;  lustre  shining ;  elec- 
tric by  friction;  scratches  topaz :  sp.  gr.  3.8. 


Fig.  30.  A  broad,  short,  four-sided  prism,  or  table. 

Fig.  31.  A  flat  six-sided  prism,  so  truncated  as  to  appear  as  an 
eight-sided  prism  terminated  by  six-sided  pyramids. 

Chem.  Char.  Infusible  alone  ;  with  borax,  in  small  particles  melts 
into  a  yellowish  green  transparent  glass,  which  becomes  colorless  on 
cooling. 

Comp.  Alumine  71.5  ;  silex  18  ;  lime  6  ;  oxide  of  iron  1.5. — Kla- 
proth. 

Dist.  Char.  The  beryl  is  infusible  with  borax  ;  the  emerald  with 
borax  melts  into  a  colorless  glass.  Its  great  hardness  being  next  to 
that  of  sapphire,  will  distinguish  it  from  most  minerals. 

Local.  Ceylon  and  Brazil,  where  it  is  found  in  alluvial  soils,  with 
the  topaz,  ruby,  and  sapphire. 

U.  &  Haddam,  Conn  where  it  occurs  chiefly  in  tabular  crystals, 
of  a  yellowish  green  color,  embedded  in  granite  with  garnet,  beryl, 
and  talc. 

Use.  It  is  sometimes  cut  and  polished  for  jewelry.  It  takes  a  high 
polish,  but  its  color  is  seldom  of  that  rich  and  pleasant  green  exhibi- 
ted by  the  emerald. 

Species  58.     SPINELLE. 

Spinelle,  H.  J.  A.     Ruby,  C.     Spinelle  Ruby,   P.     Dodecahedral 
Corundum,  M. 

Ext.  Char.—  Color,  red,  often  with  tints  of  violet, 
yellow,  or  crimson,  also  dark  brown,  or  black  ;  occurs 
in  round  and  angular  grains,  and  crystallized  in  oc- 
tohedrons,  variously  modified  ;  translucent,  transpa- 
rent, or  nearly  opake  ;  structure  lamellar  ;  fracture 
conchoidal ;  lustre  vitreous ;  scratches  quartz :  sp.  gr. 
3.7. 


SPINfcLLE.  77 


Fig.  32.  The  regular  octohedron. 

Fig.  33.  The  same  with  the  edges  truncated. 

Chem.  Char.  Infusible,  and  retains  its  color,  even  when  melted  by 
the  compound  blowpipe. 

Comp  Alumine  84.47;  magnesia  8.78;  chromic  acid  6.18. — 
Vauqutlin. 

Remark.  The  color  is  probably  owing  to  the  chromic  acid. 

Dist.  Char.  It  resembles  the  precious  garnet,  but  the  garnet  is  fu- 
sible ;  it  also  resembles  some  varieties  of  the  zircon,  but  these  lose 
their  color  by  heat  The  red  sapphire  is  harder  and  of  a  more  lively  red 
than  spinelle.  It  may  resemble  octohedral  iron,  but  this  is  magnetic. 

It  is  found  with  sapphire  and  zircon,  in  the  sand  of  rivers.  Its 
geological  situation  is  little  known. 

Remark.  The  scarlet  colored  is  termed  spinelle  ruby  :  the  rose 
red,  the  balas  ruby  ;  the  orange  red,  rubicelle,  and  the  violet  colored, 
almandinc  ruby. — Phillips. 

Local   Ceylon,  Mysore,  and  Pegu. 

V.  S.  Roxborough,  Mass,  colors,  bluish  grey,  and  dark  green. — 
Robinson.  Warwick,  N.  Y  At  this  locality,  Dr.  Fowler  of  Frank- 
lin, has  discovered  red  and  black  spinelles  of  enormous  and  unpre- 
cedented sizes.  The  red  is  of  various  shades  inclining  to  brown, 
and  the  largest  crystals,  (octohedrons,)  are  nearly  4  inches  in  cir- 
cumference. The  black  crystals  are  still  larger  ;  the  largest  mea- 
sures 16  inches  around  the  base,  and  many  others  give  a-  base  of  4 
and  8  inches. 

Both  kinds  are  embedded  in  pink  carbonate  of  lime,  associated 
with  crystals  of  serpentine. — Silliman's  Journal. 

Var.  1.     PLEONASTE. 
Pleonaste,  H.  A.  P.     Ceylanite,  C. 

Ext.  Char. — Color,  dark  blue,  or  greenish  black  ; 
occurs  in  octohedral  crystals,  and  in  rounded  grains  ; 
structure  indistinctly  foliated  ;  cross  fracture  conchoi- 
dal ;  scratches  quartz  ;  feebly  translucent ;  transmits, 
in  thin  pieces,  a  dark,  bluish,  or  greenish  light :  sp. 
gr.3.8. 

Chem.  Char.  Suffers  no  change  alone ;  with  borax  melts  into  a 
dark  green  glass. 

Comp.  Alumine  72.25  ;  silex  5.48 ;  magnesia  14.63  ;  oxide  of 
iron  4.26 — Berzelius. 

Dist.  Char.  ,It  is  not  so  hard  as  spinelle. 

Local  Ceylon,  in  alluvial  soils,  Vesuvius  and  Somma,  in  the  cav* 
ities  of  volcanic  rocks, 


78  IOLITE.        LAZULITE. 

Species  59.     IOLITE.* 

lolithe,  H.     lolite,  A.  P.  C.     Prismato-Rhomboidal  lolite,  J.     Pris- 
matic Quartz,  M. 

Ext.  Char. — Color,  violet  blue,  or  purple,  sometimes 
with  a  tinge  of  black ;  by  transmitted  light,  in  one 
direction,  brownish  yellow,  in  another,  indigo  blue : 
occurs  massive,  and  in  regular  six  and  twelve-sided 
prisms  ;  cleavage  parallel  to  the  sides  of  a  six-sided 
prism ;  lustre,  shining  vitreous  ;  fracture  imperfectly 
conchoidal,  or  uneven  ;  translucent  or  opake ;  struc- 
ture foliated  ;  scratches  glass,  and  sometimes  quartz : 
sp.  gr.  2.56. 

Chem.  Char.  Fusible  on  the  edges ;  with  borax  dissolves  slowly 
into  a  diaphanous  glass. 

Comp.  Silex  42.6  ;  alumine  34.4;  lime  1.7  ;  magnesia  5.8;  ox- 
ide of  iron  1.5  ;  oxide  of  manganese  1.7. — Gmelin. 

Local.  Cape  de  Gatte  and  Grenada,  in  Spain,  in  a  blue  clay.  Tu- 
naberg,  in  Sweden,  with  pyritous  copper.  Greenland,  embedded  in 
quartz,  or  felspar.  Siberia  and  Ceylon,  in  rolled  masses. 

Far.  1.     pELioM.f 
Peliom,  W.  P.  C. 

Ext.  Char. — Color,  blue ;  occurs  in  six-sided  crys- 
tals,  truncated   on  the  angles  ;  fracture  conchoidal  ; 
resembles  the  iolite  in  every  respect  except  in  color. 
Local.  Bodemnais,  in  Bavaria,  in  grey  granite. 
Far.  2.     STEINHEILITE  J 

Steinheilite,  J.  P.  C. 

Ext.  Char. — Color,  light  blue,  sometimes  with  a  tinge 
of  red  ;  rarely  colorless  ;  translucent ;  occurs  amor- 
phous ;  lustre  shining  ;  fracture  conchoidal :  sp.  gr. 
2.69. 

Comp.  Silex  49.95  ;  alumine  32.28  ;  magnesia  10.45 ;  oxide  of 
iron  5. — Von  Bonsdorff. 

Local  Finbo,  in  Finland,  mixed  with  pyrites. 

Species  60.     LAZULITE. 

Lazulet  de  Verner,  H.     Azurite,  J.     Lazulite,  A.  P.  C. 
Ext.  Char. — Color,  fine  azure  blue  ;  occurs   in  crys- 
tals ;  form,  the  oblique  four-sided  prism,  and  the  six- 

*  From  the  Greek,  a  violet,  or  purple  stone, 
t  Signifying  blue  color. 
:  After  Count  Steinheil. 


CHRYSOLITE.  79 

sided  prism  ;  also,  and  more  commonly,  in  grains  and 
small  masses  of  the  size  of  a  hazlenut ;  structure  foliat- 
ed ;  translucent ;  scratches  glass  ;  lustre  vitreous  and 
shining;  brittle. 

Chem.  Char.    Infusible  alone ;  with  borax  forms  a  yellowish  glass. 

Comp.  Alumine  66;  silex  10;  lime  2;  magnesia  18;  oxide  of 
iron  25 —  Tromsdorf. 

Dist.  Char.  It  resembles  lapis  lazuli  and  the  azure  carbonate  of 
copper.  But  the  lazulite  is  never  impregnated  with  iron  pyrites,  and 
the  lapis  rarely  occurs  in  crystals.  The  carbonate  of  copper  is  hea- 
vier, blackens  under  the  blowpipe,  and  tinges  borax  green. 

The  lazulite  does  not  afford  the  ultra  marine. 

Local.  Stiria,  in  quartz,  and  Saltzburg,  in  clay-slate. 

Species  61.     CHRYSOLITE. 

Peridot,  H.     Prismatic  Chrysolite,  J  M.     Chrysolite,  A.  P.  C. 

Ext.  Char. — Colors,  green,  yellowish  green,  and 
brownish  green  ;  occurs  in  angular  rounded  crystalline 
grains  ;  primary  form,  a  right  pribm,  w  ith  rectangular 
bases;  secondary  form,  eight,  ten,  or  twelve-sided 
prisms,  with  truncated  pyramidal  terminations;  the. 
number  of  terminal  faces  varies  from  six  to  ten  ;  some- 
times the  termination  is  wedge-shaped,  with  truncated 
edges  ;  fracture  conchoidal ;  lustre,  splendent  and 
vitreous  ;  translucent  or  transparent ;  crystals  often 
compressed,  with  the  broad  lateral  planes  striated; 
scratches  glass  :  sp.  gr.  3.4. 


Fig.  34.  A  ten-sided  prism,  with  two  broad  faces,  terminated  by 
two  principal  planes  corresponding  with  the  lateral  planes. 

Chem.  (.  liar    Infusible  alone,  but  turns  brown  ;  fusible  with  borax 
into  a,  greenish  transparent  glass. 

Comp.  Magnesia  50.5  ;  silex  38  ;  oxide  of  iron  9.5. — Vauquelin. 

Local.  Hungary,  in  serpentine.     In  the  isle  of  Bourbon,  among 
volcanic  products. 

The  chrysolite  of  commerce   comes  from   the  Levant. 
O65.  1.  The  chrysolite  wasthe  tenth  stone  in  the  Jewish  high  priests 
pectoral,  bearing  the  name  of  Zebulon. 

2.  The  Hebrew  word   commonly  translated   chrysolite,  has  also 
been  rendered  carbuncle  and  btryl. — Laimet. 


80  BRUCITE. 

Uses.  Chrysolite  is  sometimes  employed  in  jewelry,  but  is  little  es- 
teemed on  account  of  its  softness. 

Var.  1.     OLIVINE.* 

Peridot  Olivine,  Bt.     Olivine,  J.  P.  C. 

Ext.  Char. — Color,  olive  green ;  occurs  in  masses  of 
various  sizes,  from  grains  to  many  pounds  in  weight  ; 
translucent ;  lustre  shining,  often  metallic  and  irrides- 
cent  from  decomposition  ;  fracture  small  conchoidal  ; 
structure  somewhat  foliated  ;  brittle  ;  sp.  gr.  about 
3.24. 

Ckem.  Char.  Becomes  brown,  bat  does  not  melt ;  with  borax  fuses 
slowly  into  a  yellowish  green  translucent  glass.  Loses  its  color  in 
nitric  acid. 

Comp-  Silex  50  ;  magnesia  38.5  ;  lime  0.25  ;  oxide  of  iron  12. — 
Klaproth. 

Dist.  Char.  Its  metallic  lustre,  foliated  structure,  and  deeper  co- 
lored glass  when  melted  with  borax  will  distinguish  it  from  chrysolite, 
and  its  localities  from  the  other  minerals  which  it  resembles. 

Local.  Bohemia,  in  basalt.  Isle  of  Bourbon,  in  lava,  and  in  most 
volcanic  products.  It  is  also  occasionally  found  in  trap  and  green- 
stone porphyry. 

Olivine  is  said  also  to  have  been  found  by  Professor  Pallas,  in  the 
meteoric  iron  of  Siberia. 

Species  62.     BRUCITE.t— Gibbs. 

Maclurite. — Seybert.     Condorcite. — Berzelieus.     Brucite,  C.    P. 
Chondorcite,  M. 

Ext.  Char. — Color,  wine  or  amber  yellow,  or  yellow- 
ish brown ;  occurs  in  grains  and  crystalline  masses  ; 
also  in  four-sided  prisms,  with  rhombic  bases  ;  lustre 
a  little  pearly  ;  structure  not  apparent,  or  indistinctly 
foliated  in  one  direction  ;  crystals  generally  imperfect, 
sometimes  terminated  with  dihedral  summits  ;  fracture 
uneven ;  hardness  equal  to  that  of  felspar  ;  translu- 
cent :  sp.  gr.  3.2. 

Chem.  Char.  Infusible  alone,  but  becomes  white  ;  with  borax  fuses 
slowly  into  a  transparent  globule,  tinged  with  iron. 

Comp.  (From  Pargas.)  Magnesia  54  ;  silex  38  ;  oxide  of  iron 
5.1;  alumine  1.5;  potash  0.86;  manganese  a  trace. — D'Ohsson. 

(That  of  Sparta.)  Magnesia  54.000;  silex  32.666  ;  fluoric  acid 
4.086;  potash  2.108;  peroxide  of  iron  2.333;  water  1.000.— Sey 
bert. 

*  From  its  color. 
f  la  honor  ot  Prof.  Bruce,  of  New  York, 


HYDRATE  OF  MAGNESIA.       SERPENTINE.  81 

Lvcal  Sudermannland,  in  Sweden. 

U.  S.  Sparta,  N.  J.  in  foliated  limestone,  where  it  was  discovered 
by  Dr.  Lang  staff.  Warwick,  Orange  County,  N.  Y. 

Species  63.     HYDRATE  OF  MAGNESIA. 

Hydrate  of  Magnesia,  A.  J.  P.  C.     Native  Magnesia. — Bruce. 

Ext.  Char. — Color,  white,  often  tinged  with  green  ; 
occurs  in  plates,  or  thin  pieces ;  structure  foliated;  the 
folia  often  radiating  from  a  centre  ;  lustre  shining  and 
pearly  ;  somewhat  elastic  :  translucent,  in  thin  plates 
transparent ;  soft ;  yields  to  the  nail ;  adheres  slightly 
to  the  tongue ;  dissolves  entirely,  without  effervescence 
in  acids  :  sp.  gr.  2.13. 

Comp.  Magnesia  70  ;  water  30. — Bruce. 

Local  U.  S.  Hoboken,  N.  Y.  in  veins,  from  a  few  lines,  to  two  in- 
ches in  thickness,  in  serpentine.  Also  in  Unst,  one  of  Shetland  Isl- 
ands, traversing  serpentine  in  all  directions. 

Species  64.     SERPENTINE.* 
Serpentine,  Br.  Bt.     Serpentine,  K.  J.  A.  P.  C.  M. 
Ext.  Char. — Colors,  green,  yellowish,   brownish,  or 
blackish   green ;   also,  reddish   and   greyish :    colors 
often  run  into  spots,  stripes,  or  veins  ;  occurs  massive, 
and  very  rarely  in  rhombic  crystals  ;  fracture  splinte- 
ry, uneven,  or  conchoidal;  translucent  oropake;  re- 
ceives a  high  polish  ;  unctuous  to  the  touch ;  yields  to 
the  knife  :  sp.  gr.  2.5. 

Obs.  Serpentine,  in  rhomboidal  crystals  has  been  discovered  by 
Samuel  Fowler,  M.  D.  in  Warwick,  Orange  County,  N.  Y.  This 
appears  to  have  been  the  first  discovery  of  crystallized  serpentine,  iu 
any  country.  It  occurs  in  crystalline  carbonate  of  lime,  with  spinelle, 
scapolite,  and  Brucite. — Silliman's  Journal. 

Warwick  is  probably  one  of  the  richest  mineral  localities  in  this, 
or  any  other  country. 

Chem.  Char.  Infusible  alone,  but  turns  white  ;  with  borax  slowly 
dissolves  with  bubbling  into  a  transparent  greenish  glass. 

Far.  1.     PRECIOCS  SERPENTINE. 

Precious  perpentine,  J.  C.     Noble  Serpentine,  P.      Serpentine  no- 
ble, Bt. 

Ext.  Char. — Colors,  green,  yellowish,  or  blackish 
green,  or  brown,  often  clouded ;  occurs  massive ;  frac- 
ture conchoidal ;  translucent ;  fragments  sharp  edged ; 

*  From  its  resemblance  to  the  skin  of  a  serpent. 
11 


82  SERPENTINE. 

lustre  glimmering ;  unctuous  to  the  touch  ;  yields  to 
the  knife  ;  texture  compact :  sp.  gr.  2.2. 

Comp.  Silex  32 ;  magnesia  37.24  ;  alumine  0.5  ;  lime  10.2 ;  ox- 
ide of  iron  6  ;  water  14. — Hisinger. 

Dist.  Char.  It  is  softer  and  more  easily  broken  than  nephrite,  or 
jade,  which  it  most  resembles. 

It  is  found  in  masses  and  beds  in  primitive  limestone,  gneiss,  and 
mica-slate. 

Local.  Sweden,  Bohemia,  Saxony,  Cornwall.  In  Italy  it  is  inter- 
mixed with  limestone  forming  the  verd  antique. 

U.  S.  Milford,  Conn.  It  is  embedded  in  primitive  limestone,  in 
irregular  masses  commonly  enveloped  in  amianthus,  and  containing 
chromate  of  iron.  Its  color  is  a  rich  green,  and  it  receives  a  high 
polish.  Near  Newburyport,  Mass.  The  precious  serpentine  of 
this  place  is  often  extremely  beautiful,  and  perfectly  resembles  that  of 
Kevens,  in  Cornwall. — Dewey.  Philipstown,  N.  Y.  associated  with 
white  augite. — Barry. 

Tar.  2.     COMMON  SERPENTINE. 
Common  Serpentine,  J.  A.  P.  C. 

Ext.  Char. — Colors,  green,  yellowish  green,  blackish 
green,  brown,  bluish  grey,  or  reddish  ;  colors  variously 
intermixed,  or  running  in  stripes  or  veins ;  opake  or 
feebly  translucent  on  the  edges ;  occurs  massive  ; 
fracture  uneven,  or  splintery ;  harder  than  precious 
serpentine :  scarcely  yielding  to  the  knife ;  often  gives 
out  the  odor  of  clay,  when  breathed  on  :  sp.  gr.  2.5. 

Comp.  Magnesia  44  ;  silex  44  ;  alumine  2  ;  oxide  of  iron  7.3  ;  ox- 
ide of  manganese  1.5  ;  oxide  of  chrome  2. — Vauquelin. 

Obs.  1.  It  is  found  in  primitive  mountains,  and  according  to  Wer- 
ner, in  more  recent  formations  overlaying  the  older  primitive  rocks. 

2.  It  occurs  with,  and  commonly  embraces  the  precious  serpen* 
tine. 

Local  Portsoy,  in  Scotland.  Shetland  Isles,  Hebrides,  Cornwall, 
&c. 

U.  8.  Bare  Hills,  near  Baltimore,  Md.  West-Chester  and  Mont- 
gomery County,  Penn.  Hoboken  and  Compton  Plains,  N.  J.  Rye. 
N.  Y.  Newport,  R.  1.  Grafton,  Ver.  \ 

Obs.  1.  At  Mount  Rosa,  serpentine  is  found  at  an  elevation  of 
from  7  to  9,000  feet. 

2.  The  whole  front  of  the  Alps,  which  looks  towards  Italy,  every 
where  affords  serpentine. 

3.  France,  has  some  mountains  of  this  mineral,  particularly  in  Li- 
mousin. 

4.  The  finest  serpentine  is  said  to  occur  near  Grenada,  in  Spain. 
superb  columns  of  which,  decorate  the  churches,  and  palaces  of  Ma- 
drid 


ZIRCON.  83 

5.  The  mountain,  called  Red  Horn,  near  Mount  Rosa,  is  elevated 
upwards  of  7,000  feet,  and  is  composed  of  compact  serpentine,  divid- 
ed into  irregular  masses  of  immense  size. 

6.  The  serpentine  of  Bareith,  is  spotted  with  garnets  of  the  size  of 
9,  pea,  the  base  being  green.     Ornaments  are  made  of  this,  present- 
ing fine  red  spots,  contrasted  with  a  deep  rich  green  ground. 

7.  Saussure,  found  on  the  shores  of  the  lake  of  Geneva,  a  variety 
of  serpentine  of  remarkable  specific  gravity,  it  being  3.00. — See  Pink- 
erton. 

Uses.  Jameson  says,  that  at  Zoblitz,  in  Upper  Saxony,  several 
hundred  persons  are  employed  in  quarrying,  cutting,  turning,  and  po- 
lishing the  serpentine,  which  occurs  in  the  neighbourhood,  and  that 
the  various  articles  into  which  it  is  manufactured,  are  carried  all  over 
Germany. 

Species  65.     ZIRCON. 
Zircon,  H.  Bt.     Pyramidal  Zircon,  J.  M.     Zircon,  A.  P.  C. 

Ext.  Char, — Colors,  grey,  green,  yellowish,  red,  blu- 
ish, brown,  and  reddish ;  occurs  in  rounded  grains  or 
fragments ;  also  crystallized,  in  the  form  of  four-sided 
prisms,  terminated  by  four-sided  pyramids,  and  in  do- 
decahedrons, composed  of  four  hexagonal  lateral  faces, 
and  of  four  rhomboidal  terminal  ones  at  each  extremi- 
ty ;  cleavage  in  two  directions  parallel  to  the  axis  of 
the  crystal ;  structure  indistinctly  foliated  ;  harder 
than  quartz  ;  translucent  or  transparent ;  lustre  resin- 
ous, or  adamantine :  sp.  gr.  4.4. 


Fig.  $5.  A  four-sided  prism,  terminatd  by  four-sided  pyramids. 
This  is  the  common  form. 

Chem.  Char.  It  is  infusible,  but  loses  its  color ;  with  borax  it 
forms  a  transparent  glass. 

Comp.  Zhrconia  69  ;  silex  26.5  ;  oxide  of  iron  0.5. — Klaproth. 

Dist.  Char.  It  is  not  so  hard  as  chrysoberyl.  It  is  more  trans- 
parent than  staurotide.  Idocrase,  which  it  resembles,  is  fusible 
alone,  and  from  these  and  all  other  stones  which  it  resembles,  it  may 
be  known  from  its  greater  specific  gravity,  hardness,  and  peculiar 
oily  lustre  when  cut  and  polished. 

It  occurs  in  the  beds  of  rivers  and  alluvial  soils,  with  spinelle,  tour- 
maline, &c.  also  embedded. 

Local.  Ceylon,  in  the  sand  of  rivers,  and  embedded  in  crystalline 


84  ZIRCON. 

slate.  Norway,  in  sienite.  Galloway,  in  Scotland,  and  Auvcrgne  in 
France. 

U.  S.  Buncombe  County,  N.  C.  in  four-sided  prisms,  terminated 
by  four-sided  pyramids  On  the  Schuylkill,  14  miles  from  Philadel- 
phia, Penn.  in  small  light  brownish  crystals. — Jessup.  Near  Tren- 
ton, N.  J.  Also  at  Franklin  Furnace.  At  Schooley's  Mountain, 
N.  ¥.  Sharon,  Conn,  Color,  dark  brown,  crystals  seldom  exceed 
half  an  inch  in  length — Silliman,  Two  miles  from  Baltimore,  Md. 
Philipstown,  JV.  Y.  East  Marlborough,  Penn.  in  beautiful  tetrahe- 
dral  prisms,  color,  brownish  red. — Carpenter  and  Spackman. 

Uses.  It  is  cut  and  set  as  a  precious  stone.  Jameson  says  it  exhi- 
bits in  a  faint  degree  the  play  of  colors  belonging  to  the  diamond,  and 
that  it  is  frequently  sold  as  an  inferior  kind  of  diamond.  The  pale 
variety  is  used  in  the  jewelling  of  watches  instead  of  the  diamond. 

Var.  1.     HYACINTH. 

Zircon  Hyacinth,  Bt.  Hyacinth,  K.  J.  A.  C.  P. 
Ext.  Char. — Color,  various  shades  of  red,  as  yellow- 
ish or  brownish  red  ;  occurs  in  small  angular,  or  rolled 
grains,  and  in  crystals ;  form,  the  four-sided  prism,  ter- 
minated by  four  planes,  which  are  set  on  the  lateral 
edges ;  crystals  short,  small,  and  often  variously  termi- 
nated ;  lustre  vitreous,  inclining  to  resinous  ;  structure 
foliated ;  transparent  or  translucent  ;  fracture  con- 
choidal ;  cleavage  parallel  to  the  sides  of  the  primitive 
octohedron  :  sp.  gr.  4  to  4.6. 

Chem  Char.  Infusible,  loses  its  color  but  retains  its  transparency. 
With  borax  fuses  into  a  colorless  glass. 

Comp.  Zirconia  70  ;  silex  25  ;  oxide  of  iron  05. — Klaproth 

It  occurs  in  primitive  rocks,  and  is  found  in  the  beds  of  rivers. 

Local  Ceylon.  Near  Pisa,  in  Italy.  Auvergne,  in  France,  in 
volcanic  sand.  Lisbon,  Saxony,  and  in  Fifeshire,  in  Scotland. 

O65. 1.  The  oriental  hyacinth  is  an  orange  colored  sapphire.  The 
occidental  hyacinth  is  a  topaz.  The  volcanic  hyacinth  is  the  ido- 
crase,  or  vesuvian. 

2.  The  hyacinth  is  frequently  mentioned  by  the  sacred  writers. 
St.  John  says  that  the  eleventh  foundation  of  the  heavenly  city  is  a 
hyacinth,  and  in  Canticles,  gold  rings,  set  with  hyacinths,  are  spoken  of. 
Moses  often  speaks  of  the  hyacinth  color,  which  learned  interpreters 
say  meant,  violet  color,  or  azure  blue  tinged  with  red.  Hyacinth 
color  now  means  yellowish  red,  so  that  it  is  at  present  uncertain  what 
stone  the  ancients  meant  by  the  hyacinth,  most  probably  however  it 
was  the  amethyst. 

Uses.  When  of  a  good  color,  and  without  flaws,  it  is  much  valued 
in  jewelry.  It  is  said,  that  after  destroying  the  color  by  heat,  it  is 
sometimes  sold  for  the  diamond. 

..   aL;-    '=r .•:••&?.£  /•!*..    •:'*...         •  '.'•  :*i5f    ':-•  "•    '  ' 


EUCLASE.  5 

Var.  2.     JARGOON. 

Zircon  Jargon,  Bt.  Jargon,  K.  Jargoon,  A.  P.  Common  Zircon,  C. 
Ext.  Char. — Colors,  greenish,  bluish  grey,  and  brown- 
ish red,  always  faint  and  passing  into  colorless  ;  occurs 
in  small  four-sided  prisms,  and  in  grains  ;  lustre  splen- 
dent and  adamantine  ;  transparent  or  translucent :  sp. 
gr.  4.4. 

Chem.  Char.  Becomes  limpid  by  heat,  but  is  infusible. 

Comp.  Zircon  66;  silex31;  oxide  of  iron  2. — Vauquelin, 

Local.  Ceylon,  in  the  sands  of  rivers.  Italy,  Spain,  and  several 
parts  of  India. 

Uses.  It  is  employed  in  jewelry,  particularly  in  ornamenting  watch 
cases,  and  is  said  to  be  frequently  sold  in  Paris  for  the  real  diamond. 
Indeed  after  the  colorless  variety  is  cut  and  set,  it  is  difficult  to  dis- 
tinguish it  from  diamond.  It  is  considered  the  most  valuable  of  the 
varieties  of  zircon. 

Species  66.     EUCLASE.* 

Euclase,  H.  Bt.  A.  P.  C.     Prismatic  Emerald,  or  Euclase,  J.     Pris- 
matic Emerald,  M. 

Ext.  Char. — Color,  light  green  of  various  shades ; 
greenish  white,  bluish  green,  or  sky  blue  :  occurs  in 
crystals,  in  the  form  of  oblique  angled,  four-sided 
prisms,  variously  modified  and  terminated ;  structure 
laminated  ;  cleavage  parallel  to  the  sides  of  the  prism  : 
lustre  strongly  vitreous  ;  cross  fracture  conchoidal  ; 
scratches  quartz  ;  very  brittle  ;  translucent  or  trans- 
parent ;  sp.  gr.  2.91  to  3.32.  Crystals  longitudinally 
striated. 

Chem.  Char.  Fusible  into  a  white  enamel. 

Comp.  Glucine  21.78 ;  silex  43.32  ;  alumine  30.54  ;  iron  2.22  ; 
oxide  of  tin  0.70. — Berzelius. 

Dist.  Char.  Its  fusibility  and  brittleness  will  distinguish  it  from 
the  greenish  varieties  of  zircon  ;  idocrase  melts  into  a  yellowish  glass. 
The  different  forms  of  its  crystals  will  distinguish  it  from  emerald 
and  beryl. 

Local.  Peru  and  Brazil.  Its  localities  and  associations  are  un- 
known. 

Jameson  observes,  that  it  is  a  beautiful  fossil,  but  cannot  be  em- 
ployed in  jewelry  on  account  of  its  brittleness. 

Obs.  Phillips  has  given  the  figure  of  a  crystal  of  euclase,  which 
exhibits  78  longitudinal  faces.  The  faces  are  so  narrow  as  to  make 
it  appear  striated. 

*  From  the  Greek,  signify  ing  easily  broken,  in  allusion  to  its  brittleness. 


86  BERYL. 

Specia  67.     BERYL. 

Berryl,  K.    Beryl,  J.  A.  P.  C.    Rhomboidal  Emerald,  J.  M. 
Aqua-Marine. 

Ext.  Char. — Colors,  green,  yellowish  green,  bluish 
green,  or  greenish  white,  always  pale ;  occurs  in  six- 
sided  crystals,  terminated  by  six-sided  pyramids  ; 
crystals  often  taper  gradually,  from  one  end  to  the 
other,  and  are  of  all  sizes,  from  a  line  to  a  foot  in  diam- 
eter ;  lateral  faces  striated,  often  so  deeply  as  to  ren- 
der the  angles  indistinct ;  large  crystals  frequently 
contain  other  substances,  or  are  hollow  in  the  line  of 
the  axis ;  transparent  or  translucent ;  lustre  vitreous  ; 
scratches  quartz  ;  fracture  uneven  or  conchoidal :  sp. 
gr.  2.67. 

Chem.  Char.  Infusible,  but  turns  white  and  turbid.  With  borax, 
it  fuses  into  a  nearly  transparent  glass. 

Comp.  Silex  68  ;  alumine  15  ;  glucine  14  ;  lime  2  ;  oxide  of  iron 
1. — Vauquelin. 

Dist.  Char.  It  differs  from  the  emerald  in  being  of  a  paler  green  ; 
apatite  is  much  softer  and  dissolves  in  nitric  acid,  it  also  phosphores- 
ces on  hot  coals.  The  greenish  variety  of  tourmaline,  resembles  the 
beryl,  but  is  softer,  electric  by  heat,  and  fusible  alone. 

Beryl  belongs  to  primitive  rocks,  and  particularly  to  that  variety  of 
granite  called  graphic.  It  is  associated  with  garnels,  quartz,  chryso 
beryl,  schorl,  topaz,  &c. 

Local.  Siberia,  Persia,  on  the  confines  of  China.  Limoges,  in 
France.  Aberdeen,  in  Scotland.  Peru,  Brazil,  Saxony,  and  Elba. 

U.  S.  Haddam,  Brooklyn,  Litchfield,  Chatham,  and  Middle  Had- 
darn,  Conn.  Crystals  7  or  8  inches  long  have  been  found  at  Haddam. 
One  in  the  cabinet  of  Yale  College  is  7  inches  long,  and  9  in  the 
diagonal  diameter. — SiUiman.  Germantown,  Chesnut  Hill,  East 
Marlborough,  and  in  Chester  County,  Penn.  Chesterfield,  Goshen, 
and  in  the  vicinity  of  Boston  and  Northampton,  Mass.  At  Goshen, 
two  rose  colored  emeralds  have  been  found,  one  of  which  is  an  inch 
and  a  half  long. — Gibbs.  In  the  state  of  Maine,  it  is  found  more  or 
less  constantly  to  an  extent  of  30  miles  in  the  counties  of  Lincoln 
and  Cumberland,  also  at  Topsham  and  Bowdoinham. — Cleveland. 
Cumberland,  JR.  /. 

Uses.  Beryl  is  occasionally  employed  in  jewelry,  but  its  pale  color 
and  numerous  fissures  commonly  render  it  unfit  for  this  purpose. 
The  greenish  variety  is  set  with  a  steel  colored,  or  greenish  blue  foil. 
The  pale  or  nearly  limpid  variety  is  set  on  a  black  ground  like  the 
diamond,  or  on  a  silvery  foil. 

Obs.  1.  The  beryl  is  mentioned  in  scripture  as  the  eighth  stone  in 
the  high  priest's  pectoral,  or  according  to  Calmet,  the  twelfth,  with 
the  name  of  Napthali,  engraved  on  it.  According  to  some  learned 
writers,  our  beryl  is  the  same  with  that  meant  in  scripture. 


EMERALD.  87 

2.  The  only  remarkable  differences  between  the  emerald  and  beryl 
are  in  their  colors,  which  however  produces  such  an  uninterrupted 
series,  that  only  arbitary  limits  can  be  fixed  within  it.  The  color  of 
emerald,  is  emerald  green  ;  all  the  varieties  of  other  colors  are  beryl. 
— Mohs. 

,       Species  68.     EMERALD. 

Emeraude,  H.     Rhomboidal  Emerald,  J.     Emerald,  A.  P.  C. 

Ext.  Char. — Colors,  lively  emerald  green,  or  bluish 
green,  always  rich  and  beautiful ;  occurs  in  long  six- 
sided  prisms,  generally  perfect,  and  variously  termi- 
nated ;  structure  imperfectly  foliated  ;  not  so  large  as 
beryl  ;  scratches  quartz  ;  lustre  vitreous  and  shining ; 
becomes  electric  by  friction;  crystals  seldom  more 
than  two  or  three  inches  long ;  transparent  or  translu- 
cent ;  sp.  gr.  from  2.60  to  2.77. 

gg 


Fig.  36.  A  six-sided  prism,  acuminated  by  six  planes  correspond- 
ing with  the  lateral  planes. 

Fig-  37.  A  six-sided  prism,  terminated  by  a  six-sided  pyramid, 
the  planes  of  which  are  set  on  the  angles  of  the  prism,  with  the  an- 
gles of  the  summit  truncated. 

Chem.  Char.  Fusible  with  difficulty  into  a  porous  glass.  With 
borax  slowly  dissolves  into  limpid  glass. 

Comp.  Silex  64.5  ;  glucine  13  ;  alumine  16  ;  lime  1.6  ;  oxide  of 
chrome  3.25. —  Vauquelin. 

Dist.  Char.  It  is  known  from  beryl  by  its  deeper  and  richer  green, 
and  from  green  tourmaline  by  the  same  quality.  From  apatite  by  its 
greater  hardness  and  insolubility  in  acids,  and  from  chrysoberyl,  by 
being  less  hard,  more  transparent,  and  of  a  brighter  green. 

The  emerald  has  been  found  chiefly  in  secondary  countries,  but  it 
is  supposed  that  its  proper  situation  is  in  primitive  rocks. 

Local.  The  finest  emeralds  formerly  came  from  Manta,  in  Peru, 
but  it  is  said  that  this  mine  is  exhausted,  and  that  the  best  are  now 
found  in  the  valley  of  Tunca,  in  Santa  Fe,  where  they  occur  in  gra- 
nite. 

Obs.  1.  The  emerald  was  well  known  to  the  ancients,  and  was  the 
third  stone  according  to  Calmet's  arrangement,  on  the  high  priest's 
breast-plate  of  judgment,  with  the  name  of  Zebulon  inscribed  on  it. 

2.  In  the  time  of  Pliny,  this  stone  was  held  in  so  high  estima- 
tion, that  it  was  seldom  or  never  engraved  upon,  \vhich  probably  is 
the  reason,  that  scarcely  any  well  authenticated  antique  engravings 


88  GADONOLITE. 

exist  on  this  gem.  The  moderns  have,  however,  engraved  upon  it, 
as  there  exists  in  the  royal  collection  at  Paris,  a  head  of  Henry  IV, 
and  another  of  Lewis  XIV,  on  the  emerald. 

An  emerald  is  said  to  have  existed  at  the  Chapel  of  our  Lady,  at 
Loretto,  in  Italy,  larger  than  a  man's  head,  and  for  which  an  English 
gentleman  offered  90,000  crowns. 

3.  Keysler,  in   his  travels  has  given  the  outline  of  an  emerald, 
which  he  saw  at  the  monastery  of  Reichenau,  in  Switzerland,  and 
which  was  presented  by  Charles  the  Fat.     This  emerald,  says  he, 
weighs  281b.  3qrs.,and  could  be  sold  for  ,£0,550  sterling  per  pound. 

Later  authors,  however,  say  that  this  is  green  Jluor>  or  green 
glass. 

4.  Probably  the  largest  real  emerald  ever  found,  was  that  possess- 
ed by  the  inhabitants  of  the  valley  of  Manta,  in  Peru,  which  accord- 
ing to  De  la  Vega,  was  about  the  size  of  an  ostrich's  egg.     When 
the  Spaniards  arrived  there,  it  was  worshipped,  as  the  goddess,  or  mo- 
ther of  emeralds,  and  smaller  ones  were  brought  to  it  as  offerings. 

5.  But  perhaps  the  most  magnificent  specimen  of  genuine   eme- 
ralds in  the  world,  was  presented  to  the  cathedral  of  Loretto,  by  one 
of  the  Spanish  kings.     It  consists  of  a  mass  of  white  quartz,  thickly 
implanted  with  emeralds  more  than  an  inch  in  diameter. 

6.  According  to  Mohs,  the  locality  where  the  ancients  procured 
their  emeralds,  had  been  lost  until  within  a  few  years,  but  has  been 
re-discovered  in  Mount  Zalara,  Upper  Egypt,  in  granite  and  mica- 
slate. 

Uses.  Emeralds  are  cut  and  polished  for  the  most  expensive  kind 
of  jewelry.  Those  of  the  first  quality  require  no  foil,  but  are  set  on  a 
black  ground  like  the  diamond  ;  inferior  ones  are  set  with  a  greea 
gold  foil,  or  on  green  satin. 

Species  69.     GADONOLITE.* 

Gadonolite,  H.  Prismatic  Gadonolite,  J.  M.  Gadonlite,  A.  P.  C. 
Ext.  Char. — Colors,  greenish,  or  brownish  black ; 
occurs  massive,  and  rarely  in  crystals  which  are  ten- 
sided  prisms ;  lustre  splendent,  or  shining  resinous  ; 
slightly  translucent ;  scratches  glass  ;  fracture  con- 
choidal :  sp.  gr.  4.20. 

Chem.  Char.  Before  the  blowpipe  it  intumesces  and  throws  out 
cauliflower-like  ramifications. — Phillips. 

Mohs  says  it  decrepitates,  but  does  not  melt  except  in  small  splin- 
ters. 

Cleveland  says  that  it  becomes  red  as  if  burning.  In  nitric  acid  it 
loses  its  color,  and  is  converted  into  a  jelly, 

Comp.  Ittria  54.75;  silex  21.25;  glucine  5.5  ;  alumine  0.5  ox- 
ide of  iron  17.5  ;  water  5  ;  magnesia,  a  trace. — Klaproth. 

Local.  Sweden,  in  several  places. 

Obs.  The  new  earth  ittria,  was  first  discovered  in  this  mineral  by 
Dr.  Gadolin. 

U.  S.  Bolton,  Mass.— Webster.  ___ 

*  After  Gadolin,  who  first  found  it. 


CLASS  II. 
ACIDIFEROUS  EARTHY  MINERALS. 

Under  this  head  are  included  such  minerals  as  consist  of  an  Earth 
combined  with  an  Acid;  some  of  them  contain  small  portions  of  metal, 
as  iron,  manganese,  and  perhaps  chrome,  <^c. 

LIME. 

This  earth  has  never  been  found  pure  except  in  small  quantities. 
For  the  most  part  it  is  found  combined  with  carbonic  acid,  forming 
carbonate  of  lime ;  it  also  occurs  combined  with  sulphuric  acid,  form- 
ing sulphate  of  lime,  or  gypsum  ;  with  phosphoric  acid,  forming  phos- 
phate of  lime ;  and  with  several  other  substances* 

Pure  lime  is  white,  hot  to  the  taste,  corrosive  to  the  touch,  and  ca- 
pable when  water  is  thrown  on  it  by  degrees,  of  consolidating  it,  and 
extricating  a  degree  of  heat  which  sets  wood  on  fire  ;  it  destroys  an- 
imal and  vegetable  substances,  and  it  turns  vegetable  blues  to 
green. 

The  compounds  of  lime  are  so  abundant  in  nature,  that  geologists 
have  estimated  one  fourth  of  the  crust  of  the  globe  to  be  formed  of 
them. 

•Species  1.     CARBONATE  OF  LIME. 

Chaux  carbonatee  H.     Rhombohedral  Lime-Haloide  M.    Carbonate 

of  Lime  P.  C. 

This  species  includes  a  great  variety  of  calcareous  minerals,  many 
of  which  differ  widely  from  each  other  in  their  external  characters. 
Some  varieties  occur  in  the  form  of  crystals  of  which  there  is  an  im- 
mense number  of  secondary  modifications :  some  varieties  are  com- 
pact, some  are  pulverulent,  some  are  granular.  The  colors  which  the 
varieties  of  this  species  assume,  are  so  various,  as  to  include  nearly 
the  whole  catalogue  ;  the  prevailing  color  however  is  white,  or  greyish 
white. 

Chemical  Characters.  Infusible,  but  becomes  caustic  or  quick- 
lime before  the  blowpipe  ;  effervesces  with  acids. 

Composition.  Lime  57  ;   carbonic  acid  43. — Klaproth. 

Variety  1.     CALCAREOUS  SPAR. 

Chaux  carbonatee  H.     Calcareous  Spar  J.  A.  P.  C.     Rhombohedral 
Lime-Haloide  M. 

External  Characters.— Colors,  various,  generally  white. 


CARBONATE  OF  LIME. 


yellowish  or  grey,  often  red,  &c.  occurs  crystallized  j 
forms  extremely  numerous,  amounting  to  upwards  of500 
secondary  varieties,all originating  from  an  obtuse  rhom- 
boid, the  alternate  angles  of  which  are  105  deg.  5  min. 
and  74  deg.  55  min. ;  fragments  rhomboid al ;  lustre, 
more  or  less  shining,  often  pearly  ;  fracture  uneven, 
but  difficult  to  be  obtained  on  account  of  the  ease  with 
which  it  separates  at  the  natural  joints  ;  cleavage  in 
direction  of  the  natural  joints,  very  easy  and  perfect, 
displaying  smooth  polished  faces,  transparent  or 
translucent ;  the  transparent,  particularly  that  from 
Iceland,  doubly  refractive ;  often  occurs  in  hemitrope, 
or  macled  crystals  ;  yields  to  the  knife  :  sp.  gr.  2.72. 

Only  a  few  of  the  most  common  forms  can  be   illustrated  by  fig- 
ures. 


•fig.  1.  The  primitive  rhomboidal  prism. 

Fig.  2.  The  acute  rhomboid. 

Fig.  3,  A  six-sided  prism. 

Fix.  4.  A  hexahedral  prism  with  pentagonal  sides,  and  termina- 
ted by  pentagonal  faces. 

Fig.  5.  A  dodecahedron,  composed  of  two  six-sided  pyramids 
joined  base  to  base  ;  each  face  being  a  scalene  triangle.  This  varie- 
ty at  first  view  appears  as  two  triangular  pyramids,  but  on  closer  in- 
spection, each  of  the  three  larger  sides  will  be  found  to  contain  two 
scalene  triangular  faces.  These  crystals  are  commonly  grouped,  so 
that  only  one  of  the  pyramids  appear  distinct.  It  is  a  common  variety 
and  bears  the  name  of  hog-tooth  spar. 


Fig,  6.  The  double   six-sided  pryamid,  with  the  summits  trunca- 
ted, and  an  outline  of  the  primitive  form  in  the  centre. 

Fig.  7.  The  same  with  truncated  summits  and  solid  angles, 
Fi-g.  8  An  elongated,  double  six-sided  pryamid. 


CARBONATE  OF  LIMF.  91 

Observation.  Its  localities  are  exceedingly  numerous.  Fine 
crystals  of  some  of  its  varieties  being  found  in  almost  every  lime- 
stone country.  A  considerable  variety  of  beautiful  specimens  are 
found  at  Lockport,  N.  Y. 

Phillips  says  the  rarest  and  most  beautiful  crystals  are  found  at 
Derbyshire,  and  the  northern  parts  ot  England. 

Distinctive  Characters.  From  the  carbonates  of  lead,  strontian 
and  barytes ;  and  also  from  the  sulphates  of  barytes  and  strontian  ;  it 
may  be  distinguished  by  its  burning  to  quicklime  :  sulphate  of  lime 
does  not  effervesce  with  acids. 

Variety  2.     ARGENTINE. 

Chaux  carbonatee  nacree  argentine  H.  Slate  Spar  J. 
External  Characters. — Colors,  milk  white,  reddish, 
or  greyish  white  ;  lustre,  pearly  ;  occurs  in  thin 
tabular  plates,  generally  curved,  or  undulated  ;  trans- 
lucent, or  nearly  opake ;  structure  of  the  massive,  sla- 
ty, presenting  curved  shining  layers  ;  yields  to  the 
knife  ;  easily  broken  ;  phosphorescent  on  hot  coals. 

Chemical  Characters.  Infusible,  but  decripitates  and  separates  in- 
to thin  plates,  and  finally  becomes  caustic  quick-lime.  Effervesces 
with  acids. 

Composition.  Lime  56 ;  carbonic  acid  39.33  ;  silexl.66;  oxide 
efiron  1  ;  water  2. — Klaproth. 

It  is  found  in  primitive  rocks. 

Localities.     Saxony,  Norway,  Cornwall,  Granard  in  Ireland,  &c, 

U.  S.  Southampton  lead  mine,  Mass. 

Var,  3.     SATIN  SPAR. 

Chaux  carbonatee  fifcreuse  H.     Satin  Spar  P.  C. 
Ext.  Char. — Color,  yellowish  white,  white  or  pale 
red  ;  occurs  massive,  consisting  of  fine  delicate  fibres 
adhering  closely  together ;  lustre,  that  of  satin  ;  bears 
a  fine  polish  ;  often  chatoyant ;  translucent. 

Composition.  Lime  50.8  ;  carbonic  acid  47.6. — Pepys. 

Localities.  The  finest  specimens  are  from  Cumberland,  Eng. 

U.  S.  near  Baltimore,  Md.\  Cumberland  Valley,  Pa.\  Newburyport, 
Mass. 

Observation.  Satin  Spar  when  polished  is  a  very  beautiful  min- 
eral. It  is  used  for  inlaying,  and  for  the  manufacture  of  ornaments, 
tis  necklaces,  ear  rings,  &c.  instead  of  pearl.  It  is  now  a  scarce 
mineral. 

Var.  4.     AGARIC  MINERAL.     ROCK  MILK, 
Chaux  carbonatee  spongreuse  H.     Agaric  mineral  A.  P.  C. 
Ext.  Char. — Color,  yellowish  or  greyish  white ;  occurs 
in  soft  earthy  masses,  composed  of  particles  slightly  co- 


92  CARBONATE  OF  LIME. 

hering  ;  soils  the  fingers  ;  opake  ;  tender  ;  spongy  ;  for  a 
moment  swims  on  water  ;  effervesces  with  acids. 

Compositon.  Nearly  pure  carbonate  of  lime. 

Obs.     It  is  disintegrated  marble. 

It  is  found  in  veins,  in  calcareous  rocks. 


.  5.       APHRITE.*       EARTH  FOAM. 

Aphrite  A.  P. 

Ext.  Char.  —  Color,-  white  ;  occurs  in  masses,  compos- 
ed of  scales,  of  a  shining  pearly  lustre  ;  opake  ;  soft  to 
the  touch. 

It  is  found  in  cavities,  or  veins  in  calcareous  rocks. 
Subspecies  1.     STALACTICAL  CARBONATE  OF  LIME. 
Chaux  carbonatee  concretionne  H.  Stalactie.    Carbonate  of  lime  P. 
Ext.  Char.  —  Colors  various,  mostly  white  or  yellow- 
ish white,  or  grey  ;  occurs  in  concretions,  stalactical, 
botryoidal  ;  mammellated  and  in  long  pendulous  con- 
cretions, like  icicles  ;  lustre  pearly,  or  silky. 

Var.  1.  —  Stalactite.  —  It  occurs  in  long  straight  pendu- 
lous masses,  or  hollow  tubes  ;  or  in  larger  tuberose,  ir- 
regular masses,  with  a  rough,  warty  surface  ;  sometimes 
several  round  pieces  are  joined  together,  making  irreg- 
ular flattened  masses  ;  fracture  fibrous,  often  radia- 
ting from  the  centre  of  the  mass  ;  translucent. 

Obs.  Stalactites  are  found  attached  to  the  roofs  of  caverns  in  lime- 
stone countries,  where  they  are  continually  forming. 

How  formed.  The  water  percolates  through  the  limestone  rocks 
where  it  becomes  impregnated  with  calcareous  particles.  On  expo- 
sure to  the  air  of  the  cavern,  the  water  evaporates,  leaving  the  par- 
ticles of  limestone,  which  adhere,  become  solid,  or  form  hollow  tubes  ; 
probably  according  to  the  nature  of  the  surface  where  the  stal- 
actite begins  to  form. 

Sometimes  the  branch  of  a  tree,  which  happens  to  be  in  a  proper 
situation,  serves  as  a  nucleus  for  the  stalactite,  and  becomes  in- 
erusted  with  the  limestone,  the  wood  remaining  perfectly  preserved. 

Var.  2.  —  Stalagmite.  Alabaster.  —  Color  white  or  yel- 
lowish, commonly  arranged  in  undulated  lines,  or  in 
concentric  circles  ;  structure  foliated,  fibrous,  or  com- 
pact ;  translucent. 

O6s.  The  water  which  drops  from  the  forming  stalactites,  or  tri- 
cles  down  from  the  roof,  or  the  sides  of  the  cavern,  forms  the  stalag- 
mite on  its  floor.  Sometimes  the  stalactite  and  the  stalagmite  meet, 

*  From  the  Greek  ;•—  a  foam-like  substance, 


CARBONATE  OF  LIME.  93 

forming  pillars  which  rest  on  the  floor,  and  support  the  roof.  These 
deposites  sometimes  fill  large  caverns,  producing  imitative  forms,  as 
of  altar*,  pillars,  and  with  the  help  of  the  imagination,  of  animals, 
priests  in  their  robes,  &,c. 

Uses.  When  the  stalagmite  is  compact,  of  a  good  color,  and  trans- 
lucent, it  is  employed  in  the  manufacture  of  ornamental  and  useful 
articles  under  the  name  of  alabaster.  Of  this,  candlesticks,  vases, 
the  frames  of  time-pieces,  boxes,  &,c.  are  made. 

Remark.  Compact  gypsum  is  also  worked  into  articles  of  orna- 
ment and  use,  and  called  alabaster.  The  two  kinds  are  easily  dis- 
tinguished by  a  drop  of  sulphuric  or  nitric  acid,  which  will  cause  an 
effervescence  on  the  stalagmite,  but  not  on  the  gypsum.  The  sta- 
lagmite is  also  haider  than  the  gypsum. 

Localities.  One  of  the  most  famous  localities  is  the  grotto  of  An- 
tiparos  ;  another  is  Woodman's  cave  in  the  Hartz  ;  several  localities 
exist  in  Derbyshire,  &c. 

U.  S.  Madison's  cave,  on  the  north  side  of  the  Blue  Ridge,  and 
Wier's  cave,  both  in  Va. 

Subspecies  2.     GRANULAR  LIMESTONE. 

Chaux  carbonatee  saccaroide  H.      Granular  foliated  Limestone  J. 
Granular  Limestone  A.  P.  C. 

Ext.  Char. — Colors,  white,  grey,  yellowish,  bluish 
grey,  reddish,  greenish ;  sometimes  these  colors  run  in 
stripes,  spots,  or  clouds ;  occurs  massive,  composed  of 
minute  grains,  or  crystals  of  a  lamellar  structure,  and 
brilliant  lustre ;  fracture  splintery,  or  slaty ;  translucent. 

Obs.  1.  Some  specimens  very  nearly  resemble  loaf  sugar  both  in 
texture  and  color. 

2.  It  never  contains  organic  remains,  as  shells,  but  frequently  en- 
closes quartz,  garnets,  mica,  talc,  &,c.     Hence  it  is  a  primitive  rock. 

3.  Primitive  limestone  forms  immense  mountains,  in  many  parts 
of  the   globe.     A    considerable   proportion   of  the  great  chain  in 
Northern  Asia,   reaching  from  the  Uralian  mountains  to  the   river 
Amur,  an  extent  of  more  than  1000  leagues,  is  of  this  kind  of  rock. 
The  Pyrennees  are  also  in  part  formed  of  primitive  limestone,  and 
in  the  Alps  large  beds  of  primitive  marble  are  found. — Pinktrton 

Local.  These  are  so  numerous  that  only  such  as  are  quarried  can 
be  given. 

STATUARY  MARBLE. —  The  finest  and  most  perfect  kinds  of  primi- 
tive limestone,  have,from  time  immemorial,  been  employed  in  architec- 
tural decorations,  and  in  statuary  Hence  it  is  commonly  culled 
statuary  marble. 

Egyptian  Marble.— Colors  milk-white,  with  silvery  scales  of  mi- 
ca ;  also,  greyish  white,  passing  into  blue  ;  but  the  most  beautiful  is 
black.  The  red  marble  of  Upper  Egypt,  called  the  rosso  antico,  of 
which  the  Indian  Bacchus  is  made,  and  other  exquisite  remains,  is 
said  to  surpass  in  beauty  ajl  other  marble?. 


94  CARBONATE  OP  LIMt. 

Parian  Marble.-'-rrhis  was  employed  by  the  most  ancient  Greek 
sculptors  ;  but  being  yellowish  and  coarse  grained,  it  was  supplanted 
by  that  of  Etruria,  and  afterwards  by  that  of  Carrara. 

The  Venus  de  Medici,  Diana  hunting,  and  Venus  leaving  the  bath, 
are  of  Parian  marble. 

Pentclican  Marble. — This  comes  from  the  vicinity  of  Athens.  It 
is  white,  with  black  crystals  of  hornblende,  and  occasionally  green 
veins  of  talc.  Of  this,  some  of  the  noblest  Grecian  monuments  are 
constructed.  A  Bacchus  in  repose,  a  Jason,  a  Paris,  &,c.  of  thiB 
marble  remain  at  Paris. 

Translucent  Marble. — At  Venice,  and  in  the  different  towns  of 
Lombardy,  are  columns  of  marble  so  translucent  that  the  light  of  a 
candle  is  visible  through  pretty  thick  masses. 

Elastic  Marble. — Tables  of  ancient  elastic  marble  are  still  extant 
at  Rome.  Pinkerton  supposes  that  this  quality  may  be  imparted  by 
certain  modifications  of  heat.  Prof.  Cleveland  states  that  flexible 
marble  is  found  at  Pittsford,  Vt.  and  at  PittsfieJd,  Mass,  and  that  ac- 
cording to  the  experiments  of  Dr.  Meade,  it  looses  this  property  on 
being  heated,  but  regains  it  on  being  plunged  into  water. 

The  foreign  specimens  of  this  kind  which  I  have  seen  are  opake. 
and  without  polish,  resembling  fine  sandstone. 

Luni  Marble.  Carrara  Marble. — These  two  kinds  come  from 
adjacent  localities.  That  of  Luni  is  pure  white,  and  is  preferred 
to  that  of  Carrara,  which  is  often  stained  with  veins  of  grey. 

The  quarry  of  Luni  is  said  to  have  been  opened  in  the  time  of  Ju- 
lius Caesar. 

Laconian  Marble.  Verde  Antico. — This  came  from  Mount  Tay- 
getus  in  Laconia,  and  is  among  the  most  celebrated  and  ancient 
marbles.  It  is  described  as  being  of  a  most  cheerful  green,  like  that 
of  tender  herbs  or  grass,  variegated  with  veins  of  a  glassy  white, 
winding  in  a  spiral  manner. — Pinkerton1  s  Petrology. 

AMERICAN  MARBLES. —  The  United  States  afford  many  varieties  of 
primitive  marble,  several  of  which  have  been  quarried  for  useful  and 
ornamental  purposes. 

Philadelphia  Ma >ble — Color  white,  or  greyish  white,  sometimes 
variegated  with  veins  or  clouds,  of  blue.  It  receives  a  fine  polish, 
and  is  extensively  employed. 

Potowmac  Marble. — This  is  a  breccia,  and  is  composed  of  rounded 
and  angular  fragments  from  the  size  of  a  pea  to  that  of  an  ostrich's 
egg.  Colors  red,  white,  grey,  and  blackish  brown  intermixed,  so  as 
to  give  the  whole  a  highly  variegated  aspect.  It  bears  a  fine  polish 
and  is  a  singularly  beautiful  marble.  Of  this  marble  are  formed  the 
shafts  of  the  columns  in  the  chamber  of  Representatives  at  Washing- 
ton. They  are  about  twenty  feet  high,  and  two  feet  in  diameter. 
The  locality  of  this  marble  is  about  fifty  miles  above  Washington,  on 
the  banks  of  the  Potowmac,  in  Md. — See  Cleveland. 

New-Haven  Marble. — Predominant  color,  grey,  or  bluish  grey. 
richly  variegated  with  veins,  or  clouds  of  white,  green,  or  black  : 
some  specimens  are  clouded  with  yellow,  or  orange  ;  in  others  the 
prevailing  color  is  green  with  black  clouds  of  chromate,  and  magnetic 


CARBONATE  OF  LIME.  95 

oxide  of  iron.  The  principal  quarry  is  seven  miles  from  New-Haven; 
Ct.  Prof.  Silliman  observes,  that  when  this  marble  contains  the 
green  colors,  it  belongs  to  the  variety  usually  called  verde  antique* 
Chimney  pieces  of  this  marble,  of  which  there  are  four  in  the  Capitol 
at  Washington,  cost  from  $250  to  $500  each. 

Vermont  Marbles. —  The  state  of  Vermont  affords  several  beautiful 
Marbles,  viz. 

Middlebury  Marble. — Prevailing  color,  grey,  running  into  dark 
brown  of  different  shades.  Some  specimens  are  pure  white.  This 
marble  receives  a  fine  polish,  and  is  sawn  for  tombstones,  chimney 
pieces,  &c.  Prof.  Hall  states,  that  during  the  years  1809  and  10, 
20,000  feet  of  slabs  were  cut  by  one  mill  containing  sixty-five  saws, 
and  that  the  sale  of  marble  during  the  same  period  amounted  to 
about  11,000  dollars  in  value. 

Quarries  have  also  been  opened  at  Pittsford,  Shaftsbury,  and  Scran- 
ton,  in  Vt. — Cleveland. 

Massachusetts  affords  several  quarries  of  Marble. 

Prof.  Dewey  states  that  the  annual  value  of  the  marble  quarried  in. 
Berkshire  county  alone,  amounts  to  more  than  40,000  dollars  The 
localities  in  this  state  are  Lanesborough  ;  the  color  is  white  and  brown- 
ish. Stockbridge,  color  white,  or  clouded  with  dark  shades.  Sheffield, 
color  white,  or  clouded  with  dark  shades. — Robinson. 

Thomaston  Marble. — Colors,  white  or  greyish  white,  diversified 
with  veins  of  a  different  color.  In  the  finest  pieces,  the  predomi* 
nant  color  is  grey,  or  bluish  grey,  interspersed  by  whitish  clouds. 
It  is  a  rich  and  beautiful  marble,  receives  a  fine  polish,  and  is  well 
fitted  for  ornamental  purposes.  Three  mills,  containing  in  all  150 
saws,  are  employed  in  sawing  and  polishing  the  marble.  The  price 
of  the  best  slabs  is  two  dollars  a  square  foot,  and  about  12,000  feet  are 
annually  sold. — Cleveland. 

Subsp.  3.     COMMON  LIMESTONE. 

Chaux  carbonatee  compacte,   H.     Common  Limestone,  A.  P. 
Compact  Limestone,  C. 

Ext.  Char. — Colors  white,  yellowish  white,  grey, 
brown,  reddish,  bluish,  black,  &c. ;  occurs  compact, 
sometimes  granular ;  fracture  large  conchoidal  or 
splintery,  sometimes  earthy;  lustre  dull,  or  glimmer- 
ing ;  sometimes  it  is  variegated  or  striped  of  different 
colors ;  translucent  on  the  edges,  or  opake.  Sp.  gr. 
2.6  ;  yields  to  the  knife. 

Chem  Char.  It  burns  to  quick  lime  and  effervesces  with  acids. 

Comp.  It  is  an  impure  carbonate  of  lime,  and  generally  contains 
portions  of  silex,  alumine,  or  oxide  of  iron. 

Obs.  1.  It  is  sometimes  difficult  to  distinguish  secondary  or 
compact  limestone  from  primitive  marble,  without  referring  to  its 
'locality.  In  fact  common  limestone  runs  into  marl  on  the  one  side, 
and  primitive  marble  on  the  other. 


96  CARBONATE  OF  LIME, 

2.  Secondary  limestone  of  the  oldest  formation  contains  oxide  of 
iron,  sulphuret  of  lead,  manganese,  sulphuret  of  zinc,  &c.  but  gen- 
erally no  organic  remains. 

3.  The  newer  formations  are  conchitic,  or  contain  shells.     Pin- 
kerton  says  that  some  of  the  most  compact  varieties  of  marble  are  of 
this  kind. 

4  It  is  understood  that  conchitic  limestone  is  of  course  of  secon- 
dary formation.  But  it  is  not  true  that  every  secondary  limestone 
contains  shells. 

5.  Secondary  limestone  is  sometimes  granular,  but  perhaps  only 
when  it  is  passing  into  the  primitive  kind. 

Uses  When  burnt  it  furnishes  quicklime,  which  when  slacked, 
and  mixed  with  a  portion  of  sand  forms  mortar,  an  article  of  indis- 
pensable use  in  building,  plaistering  the  walls  of  houses,  &c.  It  is 
also  employed  extensively  as  a  building  stone  and  some  of  the  most 
beautiful  marbles  belong  to  this  species. 

CONCHITIC,  OR  SECONDARY  MARBLES. 

Pinkerton,  in  his  Petrology,  has  enumerated  a  great  variety  of  con" 
chitic  marbles.  From  him  we  shall  extract  an  account  of  some  of  the 
most  singular  and  beautiful. 

Lumachella  Marble. — Color  grey  or  brown  ;  often  deep  brown, 
containing  shells  which  form  circles  or  semicircles,  of  a  golden 
color  ;  also  shells,  which  in  certain  directions  throw  out  blood-red 
reflections,  similar  to  the  Labiador  feldspar.  Some  specimens  also 
reflect  the  green  and  blue  tints  of  the  opal,  and  nearly  with  equal 
splendor. 

Obs.  1.  This  marble  was  known  to  the  Romans.  Its  locality, 
formerly  unknown,  has  been  re-discovered.  It  is  found  in  small  quan- 
tities at  Bleyberg  in  Carinthia. 

2.  From  the  examination  of  a  specimen  of  this  singular  and  most 
beautiful  marble,  in  the  cabinet  of  D.  Watkinson  Esq.  of  this  city, 
it  is  obvious  that  the  red  reflections,  spring  from  the  fragments  of 
a  shell :  but  which  is  not  discoverable,  except  on  close  inspection. 

Panno  di  morto, — or  funeral  pall. — Color  deep  black,  sprinkled 
with  white  shells,  like  snails,  an  inch  or  more  in  length,  at  distant 
and  rather  regular  intervals. 

Obs.  This  kind  is  sold  at  Rome  and  is  very  scarce  and  highly  es- 
teemed. Its  locality  is  unknown. 

England  produces  sjme  beautiful  shell  marble. 

Pentworth  Marble. — Color  grey  with  a  cast  of  green,  and  thickly 
set  with  shells,  some  of  which  are  filled  with  white  spar,  giving  it  a  va- 
riegated and  beautiful  appearance. 

Bristol  Marble.  This  is  a  fine  black  marble  interspersed  with  white 
shells. 

Yorkshire,  produces  a  grey  marble,  sprinkled  with  enthrochites. 

Italy  is  famous  for  its  beautiful  marbles. 

Florence,  Lucca,  and  Pisa,  are  decorated  with  a  brick-red  marble, 
containing  white  ammonites. 

Fiorito  Marble.     This  kind  is  marked  with  spots  resembling  flow- 


CARBONATE  OF  UME.  97 

ors.  Two  columns  of  it,  very  rich  in  colors,  are  said  to  have  been 
placed  in  Napoleon's  Museum  at  Paris.  They  were  of  Roman  work- 
manship, and  were  discovered  in  the  ruins  of  Gabium,  four  leagues 
from  Rome. 

Ruin  Marble  or  Pictorial  Martite.  This  marble  is  found  in  the 
vicinity  of  Florence.  It  presents  angular  figures  of  a  yellowish 
brown,  running  into  a  deep  brown  color,  on  a  base  of  light  brown, 
and  yellow,  gradually  passing  into  a  light  grey 

At  a  certain  distance,  slabs  of  this  marble  so  nearly  represent 
drawings  done  in  bistre,  on  a  ground  of  yellowish  brown,  that  it 
would  be  difficult  to  convince  one  to  the  contrary. 

"  One  is  amused"  says  Brard,  "  to  observe  in  it  kinds  of  ruins  ; 
there  it  presents  a  Gothic  castle  half  destroyed  ;  here  ruined  walls ; 
in  another  place,  old  bastions ;  and  what  still  adds  to  the  delusion  is, 
that  in  these  natural  paintings  there  exists  a  kind  of  aerial  perspect- 
ive, very  sensibly  perceptible.  The  lower  part,  «r  what  forms  the* 
first  plane,  has  a  warm,  and  bold  tone ;  the  second  follows  it,  and 
weakens  as  it  increases  in  distance  ;  the  third  becomes  still  fainter, 
while  the  upper  part,  presents  in  the  distance,  a  whitish  zone,  and 
finally,  as  it  reaches  the  top,  blends  itself,  as  it  were  with  the  clouds." 

These  different  colors  are  produced  by  the  infiltration  of  different 
colored  oxides  of  iron,  into  the  fissures  of  this  marble.  It  never 
bears  a  high  polish. 

Fine  specimens  of  this  marble  of  a  foot  or  two  square,  sometimes 
s.ell  for  exhorbitant  prices. 

Spain  offers  the  conclude  marbles  of  Grenada,  and  Cordova,  of  a 
deep  red,  with  white  shells. 

France  abounds  with  shell  marbles. 

From  Narbonne,  cbmes  a  deep  black  kind,  with  white  belemnites. 

From  the  department  of  Aube,  is  brought  a  grey  marble,  made  up 
of  little  shells,  with  now  and  then  a  large  ammonite. 

Caen  Marble.  This  beautiful  variety  comes  from  Caen,  in  Nor- 
mandy. It  is  of  a  chocolate  brown,  with  white  madrepores,  of  all  sizes 
and  descriptions,  beautifully  variegated  with  blue  and  red.  Of  this 
the  tables  and  chimney  pieces  of  Paris  are  made.  In  most  of  the 
coffee  houses  may  be  seen  tables  of  this  marble. 

Languedoc  or  St.  Baum  Marble.  This  is  of  a  fiery  red  color, 
mingled  with  white  and  grey  shells  disposed  in  convoluted  zones. 

The  eight  columns  which  decorate  Napoleon's  triumphal  arch  in 
the  Carousel  at  Paris,  are  of  this  marble. 

The  United  States  as  yet  presents  but  few  localities  of  shell  mar- 
ble. Prof.  Cleveland  has  noticed  the  following. 

In  Pennsylvania,  Northumberland  Co.  is  a  black  marble  contain- 
ing white  specks,  like  the  Kilkenny  marble. 

In  New  York  near  Hudson,  is  a  greyish  brown  marble,  beautifully 
variegated  with  encrinites  and  other  organic  remains. 

Near  Seneca  Lake  is  found  a  variegated  marble,  which  has  a  fine 
grain,  receives  an  excellent  polish,  and  will  probably  be  much  em- 
ployed. 

13 


98 


CARBONATE  OP  LIME. 


1.    FETID  CARBONATE  OP  LIME. 

Chaux  carbonatee  fetide,  H.     Swine  stone,  A.  P.     Fetid  carbonate 

of  lime,  C. 

Ext.  Char.  —  Color,  white,  or  greyish  white  ;  does  not 
differ  in  external  characters  from  common  limestone. 
when  scraped  with  a  knife,  or  struck  with  a  hard  body, 
it  exhales  an  offensive  odor,  resembling  that  of  rotten 
eggs. 

Chem.  Char.  Before  the  blowpipe  it  loses  its  odor,  and  burns  to 
quick  lime  ;  effervesces  with  acids 

Obs.  The  offensive  odor  is  owing  to  the  sulphuretted  hydrogen, 
which  probably  comes  from  a  small  quantity  of  bitumen  or  sulphur, 
included  in  this  variety.  This  quality  is  lost  oa  the  surface,  and  in 
small  fragments,  by  exposure  to  the  air. 

It  is  sometimes  found  in  nodular  masses. 

It  occurs  with  common  limestone  and  gypsum,  and  is  said  to  form 
mountains. 

Local.  Germany,  France,  England,  &c. 

U.  S.  Allegany  Ridge  Md.  Near  Rhinebeck,  Hyde  Park,  near 
Black  river,  Niagara  Falls  and  Batavia,  N.  Y.  Northford,  Conn, 
Stockbridge,  Mass. 

Var.  2.  BITUMINOUS  LIMESTONE. 

Chaux  carbonatee  bituminifere,  H.      Bituminous  Carbonate  of 
Lime,  C.     Bituminous  Limestone,  A.  P. 

Ext.  Char.  —  Color,  brown,  passing  into  dark  brown 
or  black  ;  structure  compact,  or  sometimes  lamellar  ; 
when  rubbed,  struck,  or  heated,  emits  an  unpleasant 
bituminous  odor. 

Chem.  Char.  Loses  both  color  and  odor  by  heat,  and  burns  into 
quicklime. 

Comp.  Lime  49.65  ;  carbonic  acid  40.10;  alumineS.80;  silex  0 
60;  bitumen  0.60;  water  0.25.—  -Clark. 

It  belongs  to  secondary  rocks,  and  is  sometimes  found  with  coal. 

Uses.  Phillips  says,  that  in  Dalmatia,  it  is  so  bituminous  that  it  cuts 
like  soap,  and  is  employed  in  the  construction  of  bouses  ;  when  rais- 
ed, they  set  fire  to  the  walls,  the  bitumen  burns  out,  and  the  stone 
becomes  white  ;  the  roof  is  then  put  on  and  the  house  finished.  It 
is  also  polished  as  a  marble. 

Local.  Ireland,  Scotland,  England,  and  France. 

U.  8.  Near  Middletown,  Conn,  where  it  presents  distinct  impres- 
sions of  fish. 

Var.  3    ARGILLO-FERRUGINOUS  LIMESTONE. 

Calp,  C.    Argillo-Ferruginous  Limestone,  P. 
Ext.  Char.  —  Colors,  bluish,  black,  or  greyish  blue  ; 
occurs  massive,  in  beds,  and  in  globular  and  spheroi- 


CARBONATE  OP  LIME.  99 

dal  pieces ;  gives  an  argillaceous  odor  when  breathed 
on ;  when  burnt  it  is  of  a  buffcolor ;  tougher  than  com- 
mon limestone. 

Chem.  Char.  Turns  yellowish  under  the  blowpipe  ;  does  not  fall  to 
powder  when  slacked  ;  effervesces  with  acids. 

Comp.  Carbonate  of  lime  68.0 ;  silex  18.0  ;  alumine  7.5  ;  bitu- 
men 3.0;  iron  2.0.-"  Knox. 

Obs  Lias  limestone,  which  encloses  ammonites  and  a  great  vari- 
ety of  sea  shells,  with  the  bones  of  unknown  animals,  is  similar  to 
ralp  in  composition.  Lias  is  employed  as  a  lithographic  stone,  and 
occurs  at  Lyme,  in  Dorsetshire. 

Uses.  Calp  is  sometimes  used  as  a  building  stone. 

Some  varieties  form  a  cement  which  hardens  under  water. 

Subsp.  4.  CONCRETED  CARBONATE  OF  LIME. 

Concreted  Carbonate  of  Lime,  C. 

This  subspecies  contains  two  varieties,  both  of  which  appear  to  be 
fbrmed  by  a  succession  of  layers. 

Var.    1.    OOLITE.       ROESTONE.* 

Chaux  carbonatee  globuliforme,  H.  Oolite,  J.  P.  C. 
Ext.  Char. — Colors,  whitish,  yellowish  white,  or  ash 
grey  ;  occurs  in  masses  composed  of  globular  particles 
of  the  size  of  mustard  seed,  adhering  by  a  calcareous 
cement;  the  particles  are  composed  of  concentric 
layers  ;  fracture  splintery  ;  opake. 

O6s.  1.  It  is  soft  when  taken  from  the  quarry,  but  hardens  in  the  air. 

The  houses  of  Bath  are  for  the  most  part  built  of  this  variety  of 
common  limestone,  which  occurs  in  great  beds  above  the  mountain 
lime  of  England. — Phillips. 

2.  This  stone  is  however  said  to  be  liable  to  disintegration,  and 
therefore  is  not  the  best  material  for  building. 

Var.  2.  PEASTONE.     PISOLITE. 
Peastone,  J.  A.  P.     Pisolite,  C. 

Ext.  Char. — Colors,  yellowish  white,  brownish,  or 
reddish ;  occurs  massive,  composed  of  distinct  sphe- 
roidal concretions,  which  are  formed  of  thin  concen- 
tric layers,  generally  with  a  grain  of  sand  at  the  centre 
as  a  nucleus  ;  these  concretions  are  about  the  size  of 
a  pea,  and  are  united  by  a  calcareous  cement ;  they 
are  often  flattened  by  mutual  contact. 

O6s.  Pisolite  is  found  among  alluvial  deposites,  particularly  at 
Carlsbad  in  Bohemia,  and  in  the  waters  that  supply  the  baths  of  St. 
Philip,  in  Tuscany.  It  has  a  singular  and  interesting  appearance. 

"Because  it  resembles  the  roe  of  a  fish. 


100  CARBONATE  OF  LIME. 

Subsp.  5.  CHALK. 

Chaux  carbonatee  crayeuse,  H.     Chalk,  A.  P.  C. 
Ext.  Char.- -Color,  white,  or  yellowish  white  ;  occurs 
massive  ;  fracture  earthy ;  meagre  to  the  touch ;  dull ; 
opake ;  soft ;  soils  the  fingers  ;  adheres  to  the  tongue ; 
gives  a  white  streak. 

Chem.  Char.  Effervesces  with  acids  ;  burns  to  quicklime. 

Comp.  It  is  nearly  a  pure  carbonate  of  lime.  *.t> 

„  Obs.  1  It  is  one  of  the  newest  secondary  formations.  It  often 
contains  shells,  and  the  remains  of  amphibious  and  land  animals  ; 
also  nodules  of  flint,  from  which  guri  flints  are  made. 

2.  Chalk  sometimes  forms  beds,  rising  into  hills  several  hundred 
feet  high,  and  which  are  remarkable  for  the  smooth  regularity  of  their 
outlines. 

Local.  England,  particularly  in  the  counties  of  Kent,  Hampshire, 
Berkshire,  and  Sussex.  France,  in  various  places.  Poland,  and 
Ireland. 

Uses.  When  compact,  it  is  used  as  a  building  stone.  It  furnishes 
lime  for  cement  and  for  manure,  and  is  used  in  polishing  metals  and 
glass.  It  is  also  used  by  mechanics  to  mark  out  their  work  ;  by 
starch  makers  and  chemists  to  dry  precipitates  on,  and  in  medicine, 
it  is  employed  as  an  absorbent. 

Subsp.  6.  MARLE. 

Argile  calcifere,  H.  Marl,  A.  P.  Marie  C. 
Ext.  Char. — Colors,  grey,  yellowish,  or  bluish  grey, 
and  reddish  purple  ;  occurs  massive  ;  structure  com- 
pact, or  slaty  ;  falls  in  pieces  by  exposure  to  the  air, 
and  is  then  plastic  in  water  ;  soft  to  the  touch  ;  easily 
cut  with  a  knife ;  soils  the  fingers. 

Chem.  Char.     Fusible  into  a  slag  ;  effervesces  with  acids. 

Comp.  Carbonate  of  lime  50 ;  silex  12  ;  alumine  32  ;  iron  and 
oxide  of  manganese  2. — Klaproth 

Obs.  Marl  is  associated  with  secondary  limestone,  chalk,  and  gyp- 
sum. It  often  contains  the  remains  of  birds,  the  bones  of  animals 
and  fish,  and  sometimes  even  wood.  It  is  essentially  composed  of 
carbonate  of  lime  and  clay. 

Uses.  It  is  employed  as  a  manure,  and  on  soils  of  a  certain  kind  it 
is  highly  valued. 

Obs.  The  solid  marls,  on  exposure  to  the  air  and  moisture,  crum- 
ble to  dust. 
-|f"*  Var.  1.   LUDUS  HELMONTII.     SEPTARIA. 

This  name  is  given  to  nodules,  or  speroidal  masses  of  calcareous 
marl,  usually  from  one  inch,  to  eighteen  inches  in  diameter,  whose 
interior  presents  numerous  fissures,  or  seams,  which  divide  the  mass 
into  irregular  prisms.  These  fissures  are  generally  lined  or  filled  by 
some  crystallized  substance,  which  is  usually  calcareous  spar,  some- 


CARBONATE  OF  LIME.  101 

times  quartz,  or  sulphate  of  barytes  ;  thus  dividing  the  mass  into  dis- 
tinct partitions  or  septa  ;  and  hence  the  name  Septaria. 

Var.  2.   BITUMINOUS  MARLE. 
Bituminous  Marie,  J.  P.  Bituminous  Marlite,  C. 
Ext.  Char. — Color,  greyish,  or  brownish  black  ;  oc- 
curs  massive ;    structure  slaty,  often  curved  ;  lustre 
shining,  or  glimmering  ;  soft  and  meagre  to  the  touch  : 
sp.  gr.  2;38. 

It  occurs  in  beds  with  the  oldest  limestone. 

Obs.  1.  It  contains  fish,  sometimes  in  regular  layers,  which  are 
converted  into  coal.  The  scales  are  often  converted  into  copper  ore. 
The  bodies  of  these  fish  are  contorted  as  though  they  had  died  by 
violence.  Werner  thinks  they  were  killed  by  the  sudden  formation 
of  sulphuretted  hydrogen. 

2-  It  also  contains  ores  of  copper,  which  are  smelted.  At  Thurin- 
gia  extensive  works  are  established  for  the  extraction  of  copper  from 
these  ores. 

Subsp.  7.  MADREPORITE* 

Chaux  carbonatee  Madreporite,  H.     Prismatic  Lucullite,  J.     Ma- 
dreporite,  P.  C. 

Ext.  Char. — Color,  greyish  black ;  occurs  in  large 
roundish  masses,  composed  of  prismatic  diverging  con- 
cretions ;  fracture  lamellar,  or  curved ;  translucent  or 
opake  ;  yields  to  the  knife. 

Chem.  Char.  When  heated,  or  rubbed,  it  gives  the  odor  of  sulphu- 
retted hydrogen. 

Comp.  Carbonate  of  lime  93 ;  with  a  little  magnesia,  iron,  silex 
and  carbon. — Kirwan. 

Local.  Norway,  Greenland,  Salzberg. 

Subsp.  8.  CALCAREOUS  TUFA. 

Calc  Tuff,  J.  Tufa,  A.  P.  Calcareous  Tufa,  C. 
Ext.  Char. — Color,  grey,  or  yellowish  grey  ;  occurs 
in  light  porous,  or  spongy  masses,  often  containing 
leaves,  moss,  or  other  vegetable  matter  ;  als  »  incrust- 
ing  other  substances  :  it  is  soft,  opake,  and  rough ; 
sometimes  compact  enough  for  building  stone. 

Obs.l.  Tufa  is  a  stone  which  is  gradually  formed,  and  daily  increas- 
ing from  the  depositions  of  springs  and  streams  impregnated  with 
calcareous  particles.  As  the  water  passes  along  it  deposites  this 
limestone  mud  on  whatever  happens  to  be  in  its  way.  Hence  tufa  is 
a  very  impure  carbonate  of  lime,  containing  silex,  leaves,  shells, 
wood  &LC. 

*  From  its  resemblance  to  certain  Madrepores, 


102 


ARRAGONITE. 


2.  Dinkerton  observes,  that  a  fine  calcareous  tufa  is  formed  in  an- 
cient acqueducts,  in  the  same  manner  as  it  is  in  tea-kettles,  in  lime- 
stone countries,  viz.  by  the  deposition  of  particles  of  lime  from  the 
water. 

3.  The  same  author  states  that  the  church  of  St.  Peter  at  Rome, 
is  constructed  of  a  tufa  daily  formed  in  the  waters  of  the  Anio. 

Species.  2.  ARRAGONITE.* 

Chaux  carbonatee  Arragonite,  H.  Arragonite,  J.  P.  A.  C.    Pris- 
matic Lime-Haloid e.  M. 

Ext.  Char. — Color,  white,  or  yellowish  white,  green- 
ish grey,  and  pearl  grey ;  occurs  crystallized,  in  the 
form  of  six-sided  prisms,  with  equal  sides ;  also,  in  six- 
sided  prisms,  of  which  the  two  opposite  lateral  planes 
are  broad,  the  four  others  being  narrow.  These  crys- 
tals on  close  inspection  appear  to  have  longitudinal 
joints  down  each  lateral  face,  as  though  made  up  of 
several  smaller  crystals  closely  fitting  each  other. 
Sometimes  the  prisms  are  so  short  as  to  resemble  oc- 
tohedrons,  or  even  tables,  and  sometimes  it  forms  a 
peculiar  kind  of  twin  crystal,  or  two  crystals  are  seen 
crossing  each  other,  or  a  small  one  projecting  out  of 
the  side  or  summit  of  the  larger.  They  are  often 
deeply  striated;  structure  coarsely  fibrous  ;  lustre 
shining  vitreous ;  doubly  refractive  through  oblique 
surfaces  ;  translucent,  or  transparent ;  scratches  mar- 
ble. 


Fig.  9.  a  six-sided  prism,  composed  of  several  small  prisms  appli- 
ed to  each  other  longitudinally,  and  appearing  striated,  or  cracked 
down  each  plane. 

Fig.  10,  a  crystal,  formed  of  four  smaller  crystals  aggregated,  so  as 
to  leave  the  half  of  each  distinct. 

Chem.  Char.  Thin  fragments  of  transparent  crystals  decrepitate  in 
the  flame  of  a  candle  ;  other  varieties  lose  their  transparency  and  be- 
come friable.  It  phosphoresces  on  red  hot  iron,  and  is  soluble  in 
nitric  and  muriatic  acid,  during  which  process  the  carbonic  acid  is 
disengaged. — Mohs. 


*  Because  first  found  at  Arragon  in  Spain. 


CARBONATE  OF  LIME.  103 

Comp.  Carbonate  of  lime  95.2965  ;  carbonate  of  strontian  0.5090  ; 
water  0.1544. — Stromeyer. 

Dist.  Char.  The  chrystalline  forms,  and  the  general  aspect  of 
arragonite  will  distinguish  it  from  carbonate  of  lime,  and  from  stron- 
tian. It  is  also  harder  than  carbonate  of  lime,  and  does  not  like 
strontian  tinge  flame  purple,  but  burns  to  quicklime. 

Obs.  1.  The  phosphorescence  takes  place,  only  when  the  particles 
are  small,  and  at  the  instant  they  fall  on  the  hot  iron. 

2.  In  a  fine  specimen  of  arragonite  before  me,  from  Weir's  cave, 
Va.  the  largest  crystals  appear  to  consist  of  bundles  of  smaller  ones 
adhering  together,  and  terminating  in  one,  two,  or  three-sided  sum- 
mits. Among  the  smaller  ones,  some  are  gradually  and  finely  acu- 
minated, while  others  are  abruptly  truncated,  and  terminate  in  one, 
or  two  principal  faces.  Some  appear  to  be  cylindrical,  and  stand  in 
aggregated  radiating  masses,  the  points  only  appearing  distinct ; 
others  are  branched,  sending  forth  smaller  crystals  under  various  and 
uncertain  angles  ;  the  whole  being  garnished  at  every  point  with  fine 
crystals,  standing  in  every  direction. 

Remark.  The  branched  variety  is  often  found  in  the  cavities  of 
iron  ore,  and  hence  has  been  called  Flos  Ferri,  or  Flowers  of  Iron. 

It  was  first  found  at  Arragon  in  Spain,  associated  with  gypsum. 

Local  Hungary,  Transylvania,  Bohemia,  Scotland,  Iceland^  Si* 
beria,  Chimborazo,  &c. 

U.  S.  Weir's  cave,  Va.     Suckasunny  mine,  N.  J. 

Species  3.    MAGNESIAN  CARBONATE  OF  LIME. 

This  species  has  several  varieties,  which  vary  considerably  in  the 
proportion  of  lime  and  magnesia. 

Var.  1.   DOLOMITE.* 

Chaux  carbonatee  magnesifere,  H.    Magnesian  Limestone,  P.  Mag- 
nesian  Carbonate  of  Lime,  C. 

Ext.  Char. — Color,  white,  often  with  a  tinge  of  yel- 
low, or  grey ;  occurs  massive,  often  of  a  slaty  texture  ; 
consists  of  fine  crystalline  grains,  which  are  lamellar ; 
lustre  glimmering;  translucent  on  the  edges^  when 
struck,  or  thrown  on  a  hot  iron,  mostly  emits  a  phos- 
phorescent light,  which  is  visible  in  the  dark ;  softer 
than  primitive  limestone,  which  it  strongly  resembles : 
sp.  gr.  2.85. 

Chem.  Char.  Effervesces  feebly  with  acids ;  under  the  blowpipe, 
after  the  carbonic  acid  is  expelled,  it  phosphoresces  with  exceeding 
brightness,  turns  opake  and  falls  into  grains. 

Comp.  Carbonate  of  lime  52.0;  carbonate  of  magnesia  46.5  ;  ox- 
ide of  iron  and  manganese  0.75. — Kiaprolh. 

*From  the  celebrated  Dolomien. 


104  MAGNESIAN  CARBONATE  OF  LIME. 

Dist.  Char.  Its  slow  effervescence  will  distinguish  it  from  primi- 
tive limestone. 

It  is  found  in  veins,  in  primitive  rocks,  with  iron,  primitive  lime- 
stone, tremolite,  lead,  zinc,  quartz,  &c. 

Local.  Pyrennees,  Saxony,  France,  Sweden,  &c. 

U.  S.  Near  the  city  of  New  York.  Washington,  Milford  hills,  and 
Litchfield  Conn.  Great  Barrington,  Sheffield,  Stockbridge,  Pittsfield, 
Williamstown,  and  Adams,  Mass. 

Var.  2.    BITTER  SPAR. 

Chaux  carbonatee  magnesifere  primitive,  H.     Rhomb  Spar,  J.     Bit- 
ter Spar,  P.     Chrystallized  Magnesian  Carbonate  of  Lime,  C. 

Ext.  Char. — Color,  greyish  or  yellowish  white  ;  oc- 
curs in  obtuse  rhomboidal  crystals,  the  alternate  angles 
of  which  are  106  cleg.  15  min.  and  73  deg.  45  min.  ; 
structure  foliated ;  lustre  pearly  and  shining  ;  cleaves 
into  rhomboids  ;  translucent ;  brittle  ;  very  easily  sep- 
arable into  rhombs,  at  the  natural  joints  by  a  blow. 

Chem.  Char.  Burns  to  quicklime  ;  effervesces  feebly  with  acids. 

Comp.  Carbonate  of  lime  52  ;  carbonate  of  magnesia  45  ;  oxide 
of  iron  3. — Klaproth. 

Dist.  Char.  It  is  sometimes  difficult  to  distinguish  this  variety 
from  calcareous  spar.  In  general,  its  slow  and  feeble  effervescence 
will  distinguish  them.  A  surer  method  is  solution  in  sulphuric  acid, 
which,  if  magnesia  be  present,  it  will  be  precipitated  by  carbonate  of 
potash,  or  soda  ;  the  solution  also  will  be  bitter. 

It  is  found  in  chlorite,  steatite,  or  serpentine  ;  with  talc,  asbes- 
tus,  &-c. 

Local.  Sweden,  Tyrol,  Siberia,  &c. 

U.  S.  Near  New  Haven,  Conn.  Williamstown,  Middlefield, 
and  Southampton,  Mass. 

Var.  3.  MIEMITE.* 
Chaux  carbonatee  magnesifere  lenticulaire,  H.     Miemite,  J.  P.  C. 

Ext.  Char. — Color,  green  or  greenish  white  ;  occurs 
massive,  and  in  rhomboidal  crystals ;  fracture  foliated  ; 
lustre  splendent  and  pearly ;  translucent ;  fracture 
foliated  and  curved  ;  brittle. 

Comp.  Carbonate  of  lime  53  ;  carbonate  of  magnesia  42.50 ;  iron 
and  manganese  3. — Klaproth. 

Local.  Tuscany  in  gypsum.  Greenland  with  wavellite,  and  ar- 
ragonite. 

Var.  4.    GURHOFIAN.t      COMPACT  DOLOMITE. 

Ext.  Char.— Color,  snow  white ;  structure  compact ; 

*  From  Miemo  in  Tuscany,  where  it  is  found, 
t  From  Gurhoff,  where  it  is  found. 


'MAGNESFAN  CARBONATE  OF  LIME.  105 

fragments  sharp  ;  fracture  conchoidal;  somewhat  re- 
sembling semi-opal. 

Chem.  Char.  Dissolves  with  effervescence,  in  hot  nitrous  acid. 
Comp.  Carbonate  of  lime  70.50  ;  carbonate  of  magnesia  29.50.-— 
Klaproth. 
Local.  Gurhoff,  in  Lower  Austria. 

Var.    5.    MAGNESIAN    LIMESTONE. 

Magnesian  Limestone,  A.  P.  C.     Brown  Dolomite,  J.     Macrotypoua 
Lime-Haloide,  M. 

Ext.  Char. — Color,  yellow  or  buff;  occurs  in  amor- 
phous masses  •  lustre  glimmering  ;  texture  somewhat 
sandy  ;  translucent  on  the  edges. 

Comp.  Carbonate  of  lime  61.5  ;  carbonate  of  magnesia  44.8;  inso- 
luble matter  1.6. —  Thomson. 

Obs.  The  great  range  of  hills,  extending  from  Nottingham  to 
Sunderland  in  England,  are  entirely  composed  of  it. 

The  lime  obtained  from  it  is  greatly  esteemed  for  cements,  being 
less  subject  to  decay,  owing  to  its  absorbing  less  carbonic  acid  from 
the  atmosphere  than  the  lime  of  common  limestone. — Phillips, 

When  magnesia  exists  in  considerable  quantity  in  a  soil,  it  wholly 
destroys  vegetation.  Large  tracts  in  France  are  barren  from  this  cir- 
cumstance. 

2.  A  flexible  variety  of  magnesian  limestone,  is  found  in  Sunder- 
land in  England.  It  is  slaty,  and  fusible.  This  quality  is  lost  by 
drying. — Phillips. 

Var.  6.    FERRO-MAGNESIAN  CARBONATE  OF  LIME. 

Chaux  carbonatee  ferro-manganesifere,  H.     Pearl-spar,  P.     Brown  - 

Spar,  J.  C. 

Ext.Char. — Colors,  white  or  greyish,  yellowish,  or 
reddish  white  ;  occurs  in  laminated  masses,  and  in  ob- 
tuse rhomboids,  with  curved  faces  ;  sometimes  only 
the  thin  edges  or  angles  of  the  crystal  is  curved,  or 
turned  up ;  lustre  pearly  ;  structure  foliated  ;  crystals 
often  placed  partly  over  each  other,  so  as  to  give  the 
mass  a  scaly  appearance  5  also,  it  occurs  of  a  fibrous 
texture  ;  translucent ;  sp.  gr.  2.5. 
n 


Figs.  11  and  12,  show  the  common  appearance  of  these  crystals. 
They  are  irregular  rhomboids,  having  their  faces  curved,  or  their 
angles  contorted  in  various  directions, 

14 


106  SILICIOUS  CARBONATE  OF  LIME. 

Cktm.  Char.  Before  the  blowpipe,  decrepitates  with  violence,  and 
turns  dark  grey,  or  brown  ;  with  borax  it  fuses  with  ebulition,  into  a 
yellowish  green  enamel ;  soluble  slowly,  and  with  little  effervescence 
in  nitric  acid. 

Comp.  Lime  27.97;  magnesia  21.14  ;  carbonic  acid  44.6;  ox- 
ide of  iron  3.4  ;  of  manganese  1.5. — Heisinger. 

Dist.  Ckar.  Its  peculiar  contorted  crystallization,  with  its  slow  ef- 
fervescence, will  distinguish  it  from  rhomb-spar,  and  other  carbo- 
nates ;  sparry  iron  ore  is  darker  and  heavier. 

Obs.  Phillips  thinks  it  probable  that  pearl-spar  passes  into  sparry 
iron  ore. 

Pearl-spar  is  found  in  metallic  mines,  with  quartz,  limestone,  iron 
ore,  zinc,  lead,  &c. 

Local.     Derbyshire,  Devonshire,  Cornwall. 

U.  S.  Near  Lancaster,  Penn.  Liecester,  on  the  Genesee,  Clin- 
ton, and  Bethlehem,  N.  Y.  Leverett,  and  Charlestown,  Mass. 

Species  4.  SILICIOUS  CARBONATE  OF  LIME. 

Silicious  Carbonate  of  Lime,  C. 

Ext.  Char. — Color,  greyish  white  ;  occurs  in  mam- 
millary  concretions,  in  amorphous  masses,  and  in 
rhombic  crystals  ;  structure  granular ;  fracture  pre- 
sents small  crystalline  faces  ;  often  friable  ;  when  solid, 
gives  fire  with  steel ;  opake  ;  resembles  a  sandstone ; 
C. ;  sp.  gr.  2.t>. 

Chem.  Char.  In  nitric  acid,  its  calcareous  part,  about  one  third  of 
the  whole,  dissolves  with  effervescence.  C. 

Comp.  It  sometimes  contains  44  per.  cent,  of  carbonate  of  lime.  C; 

Obs.  Its  crystals  are  found  either  solitary,  or  in  groups,  in  certain 
cavities,  existing  in  beds  of  calcareous  sandstone.  When  these  ca- 
vities, usually  filled  with  sand,  are  in  part  empty,  it  is  sometimes  the 
case,  that  one  half  of  the  crystal,  in  the  state  of  a  pure  carbonate  of 
lime,  projects  into  the  cavity,  while  the  other  half  of  the  same  crystal 
is  silicious.  C. 

It  is  found  only  at  Fontainbleu  and  Nemours  in  France. 

Var.    I.    TABULAR  SPAR. 

Spathentable,  H.  Schaalstein,  W.  C.     Tabular  Spar,  J.  A.  P. 

Ext.  Char. — Colors,  greyish  white,  often  tinged  red, 
green,  or  yellow ;  occurs  massive,  composed  of  thin 
laminaB  ;  structure  imperfectly  foliated  ;  translucent, 
or  opake  ;  phosphorescent  when  scratched  ;  cleaves 
into  prismatic  pieces  ;  fracture  splintery ;  yields  to  the 
knife,  and  is  sometimes  friable  :  sp.  gr.  2.8. 

Chem.  Char.  In  nitric,  a  few  bubbles  escape  and  the  fragment 
falls  into  powder.  Fusible  with  ebullition  into  a  white  glass. 


PHOSPHATE  OF  LIME.  107 

Comp.  Silex  50 ;  lime  45 ;  water  5. — KlaprotJi. 
It  is  a  rare  mineral,  and  has  been  found  only  in  Ceylon,  and  two 
or  three  other  places. 

Var.  2.  CHELMSFORDITE — Dana. 

Ext.  Char. — Colors,  white,  gr^y,  green,  and  red,  of 
various  shades ;  occurs  amorphous  and  crystallized,  in 
rectangular,  or  slightly  rhomboidal  prisms,  variously 
truncated ;  crystals  interlaced  ;  lustre  pearly,  glim- 
mering, or  dull ;  fracture  splintery,  fine  grained,  and 
imperfectly  foliated ;  cleavage,  either  indistinct,  or 
parallel  to  the  bases  of  the  prisms  ;  phosphoresces 
when  projected  in  powder  on  hot  iron  :  sp.  gr.  2.10  to 
2.60. 

Chem.  Char.  Fusible  with  ebullition  into  a  white  porous  enamel. 
The  amorphous  effervesces  feebly  with  nitric  acid,  and  falls  in  grains. 

Local  Chelmsford,  Mass,  in  a  bed  of  carbonate  of  lime,  and  mi- 
caceous schistus. 

Remark.  Chelmsfordite  was  discovered  and  named  by  Drs.  J.  F. 
and  S.  L.  Dana  of  Boston.  It  has  not  been  analyzed,  but  its  general 
characters  coincide  so  nearly  with  those  of  schaalstein,  as  to  leave 
little  doubt  of  its  being  a  variety  of  that  mineral,  and  they  have  ac- 
cordingly so  arranged  it. 

In  placing  Schaalstein  and  Chelmsfordite,  as  varieties  of  the  present 
species,  I  have  been  guided  by  the  analysis  of  the  former,  and  the 
probable  composition  of  the  latter. 

Species  5.    PHOSPHATE  OF  LIME. 

Chaux  phosphatee,  H.      Rhombohedral  Apatite,  J.      Phosphate  of 
Lime,  P.  C.     Rhombohedral  Fluor-Haloide,  M. 

This  species  embraces  several  varieties,  which  vary  considerably  in 
their  external  characters,  and  chemical  composition. 

Far.  1.     APATITE.* 

Ext.  Char. — Colors,  white,  yellowish  white,  greenish 
yellow,  blue,  bluish  green,  and  reddish,  colors  pale ; 
occurs  in  six-sided  prisms,  terminated  by  one  or  more 
planes,  or  by  a  six-sided  pyramid,  variously  trunca- 
ted ;  prisms  short ;  cross  fracture  conchoidal ;  lustre 
vitreous  ;  translucent ;  often  longitudinally  striated ; 
yields  to  the  knife. 


*From  the  Greek,  eignifyingto  deceive,  because  it  resembles  other  minerals. 


108 


PHOSPHATE  OF  LIME. 


Fig.  13,  the  primary  form,  a  short  six-sided  prism. 

Fig.   14,  a  six-sided  prism,  terminated  by  six-sided  pyramids. 

Fig.  15,  the  same,  with  the  lateral  edges  and  summits  truncated. 

Chem.  Char.  Infusible ;  dissolves  slowly  and  without  effervescence 
in  nitric  acid ;  or  effervesces  slightly  from  foreign  matter  ;  phospho- 
resces on  hot  iron. 

Comp.  Lime  55 ;  phosphoric  acid  45. — Klaproth. 

Dist.  Char.  It  resembles  beryl,  and  emerald,  but  wants  their  hard- 
ness, and  is  soluble  in  acids.  From  carbonate  of  lime  it  differs,  by 
its  slight  effervescence  ;  fluate  of  lime  is  fusible. 

It  is  found  in  primitive  rocks,  with  garnets,  fluor,  tin,  iron  and 
quartz. 

Local.  Bohemia,  Saxony,  Moravia,  Spain,  several  parts  of  Eng- 
land, &c. 

U.  S.  Germantown,  and  Hamilton,  Penn.  At  the  former  place  it 
is  in  grass-green  crystals. 

Several  places  .  in  New  Jersey.  Near  Wilmington,  Del.  Near 
Crown  Point,  color  clove  brown.  Near  New  York,  color  apple 
green  ;  and  West  Farms,  white,  N.  Y.  Milford  hills,  pale  green  ; 
Conn.  Topsham,  pale  green  ;  Maine. 

Var.  2.  ASPARAGUS  STONE. 

Asparagus  Stone,  J.  P.  C. 

Ext  Char. — Colors,  asparagus  green,  greenish  white, 
white  and  transparent ;  occurs  in  crystals  only  ;  form, 
six-sided  prisms,  with  six-sided  pyramidal  terminations; 
planes  sometimes  striated  longitudinally  ;  angles  sub- 
ject to  truncation ;  does  not  phosphoresce. 

Chem.  Char.  Dissolves  in  nitrous  acid  without  effervescence. 

Comp.  Lime  54.28  ;  phosphoric  acid  45.72. — Klaproth. 

Dist.  Char.  It  has  been  confounded  with  apatite,  but  differs  from 
it  in  color;  in  the  general  smooth  surface  of  its  planes  ;  in  its  acuter 
terminations  ;  in  its  non-phosphorescence  ;  and  in  dissolving  in  acids 
without  effervescence. — Jameson. 

It  is  found  in  primitive  rocks. 

Local.  Grenada  in  Spain,  in  abundance  ;  Vesuvius,  Norway,  and 
near  Havre  in  France. 

U.S.  Germantown,  Penn.  Highlands,  at  Anthony's  Nose.  Near 
Lake  Champlain,  and  on  the  island  of  New  York,  N.  Y.  Morris 
county,  N.  J. 


FLUATE  OP  LIME.   FLUOR.  109 

Var.  3.    MASSIVE  PHOSPHATE  op  LIME. 

Chaux  phosphatee  terreuse,  H.     Phosphorite,  J.  P.     Massive  Phos- 
phate of  Lime,  C. 

Ext.  Char. — Colors,  greyish,  reddish,  or  yellowish 
white ;  occurs  massive,  with  a  curved  lamellar,  or  gran- 
ular structure ;  aspect  earthy  ;  opake  ;  diversified  with 
spots  or  zones  ;  phosphoresces  by  heat  and  friction. 

Comp.  (Hungarian.)  Lime  47  ;  phosphoric  acid  32.25  ;  fluoric 
acid  2.5  ;  silex  0.5 ;  oxide  of  iron  0.75  ;  water  1 ;  sand  mixed  with 
clay  11.5.— Klaproth. 

Pinkerton  says,  that  it  is  reported  by  some  to  form  hills,  and  by 
others  only  thick  strata,  in  the  province  of  Estremanda  in  Spain, 
Phillip's  says,  that  it  sometimes  contains  crystals  of  apatite. 

Dist.  Char.  It  has  much  resemblance  to  curved  lammellar  bary- 
tes,  but  it  is  harder  and  lighter. — Jameson. 

Var.  4.  SILICIOUS  PHOSPHATE  OP  LIME. 

Chaux  phosphatee  silicifere,  H. 

Ext.  Char. — Color,  grey,  shaded  with  violet ;  occurs 
in  porous  masses ;  fracture  earthy,  granular,  or  a  little 
foliated ;  phosphoresces  strongly ;  gives  fire  with  steel. 
It  is  found  in  Bohemia. 

Species  6.  FLUATE  OF  LIME.    FLUOR.* 

Chaux  fluatee,  H.     Octohedral  Fluor,  J.      Fluate  of  Lime,  P.  C, 
Octohedral  Fluor-Haloide,  M. 

This  species  is  found  crystallized,  nodular,  compact,  and  earthy.  It 
therefore,  comprehends  several  varieties  of  which  the  crystallized  is 
by  far  the  most  beautiful,  and  important. 


'.  1.  CRYSTALLIZED  FLUATE  OF  LIME. 

Ext.  Char. — Colors,  purple,  red,  green,  yellow,  grey, 
blue,  white,  and  perfectly  limpid  and  transparent; 
occurs  in  crystals ;  form  the  octohedron,  with  its  vari- 
eties, the  cube  and  rhomboidal  dodecahedrons,  vari- 
ously truncated  ;  structure  lamellar,  or  foliated ; 
cleaves  into  the  form  of  the  octohedron,  tetrahedron, 
and  rhomboid  ;  lustre,  shining  vitreous  ;  crystals  gen- 
erally smooth  ;  yields  easily  to  the  knife  :  sp.  gr.  3.10. 

•  From  the  Latin  Jluo  to  flow,  because  it  is  used  as  a  flux. 


110 


FLUATE  OF  LIME.   FLUOR. 


Fig.  16,  the  primary  octohedron. 

Fig,  17,  the  cube,  a  form  under  which  it  most  frequently  occurs. 

Fig.  18.  the  dodecahedron,  with  rhombic  faces. 

Fig.   19,  the  cube,  with  bevelled  edges. 

Fig.  20,  the  cube,  with  each  solid  angle  bevelled,  or  replaced 
with  six  planes. 

Obs.  1.  A  great  variety  of  other  forms  are  enumerated.  Mr.  Phil- 
lips states  that  his  collection  presents  upwards  of  seventy  varieties  of 
form  The  same  author  has  given  a  figure  of  one  crystal,  bounded 
by  fifty-four  planes,  and  another  in  his  possession  from  Devonshire, 
bounded  by  three  hundred  and  twenty-two  planes. 

2.  This  mineral  is  rendered  very  interesting  by  the  great  variety 
and  beauty  of  its  colors,  and  the  peculiarly  distinct  forms  in  which  its 
crystals  are  often  found. 

Chem.  Char.  Fusible  with  ebullition  into  an  opake  globule ;  with 
borax  into  a  transparent  glass.  In  powder  with  warm  sulphuric 
acid,  emits  fluoric  acid  gas,  which  is  employed  in  etching  on  glass  ; 
phosphorescent  on  hot  iron. 

Comp.  Lime  72. 1 4  ;  fluoric  acid  27.86. — Berzelius. 

Dist.  Char.  Its  rich  colors  and  peculiar  property  of  corroding 
glass  will  distinguish  it  from  other  minerals ;  from  the  gems  it  is 
readily  known,  by  its  want  of  hardness. 

It  is  found  mostly  in  metallic  veins  which  traverse  primitive  rocks. 

Local.  Mount  Blanc,  St.  Gothard,  Saxony,  Germany.  Cornwall 
and  Derbyshire,  abundant.  In  the  tin  mine,  St.  Agnes,  Cornwall, 
are  found  the  most  splendid  varieties  ;  also  in  the  lead  mines  of  Der- 
byshire, fine  specimens  occur. 

U.  S.  Shenandoah  County,  and  at  Shepherdstown,  Va.  Peters 
Creek,  17  miles  from  Shawneetown,  Fork  of  Grand  Pierre  Creek, 
27  miles  from  the  same  place,  Illinois.  West  side  of  the  Blue  Ridge, 
Md.  Smith  County,  Ten.  Near  Franklin  Furnace,  and  near  Ham- 
burg, N.  J.  Near  Saratoga  Springs,  N.  Y.  At  Middletown  and 
7Tuntington,  Con.  At  Thetford,  Vt.  Southampton  lead  mine,  Mass. 
White  Mountains,  N.  H. 

Var.  I.   NODULAR  FLUATE  OF  LIME. 

Nodular  Fluor,  P. 

Ext.  Char. — Colors,  blue,  brown,  purple,  grey,  red- 
dish, and  yellow,  variously  intermixed  with  white,  and 
transparent;  it  is  the  result  of  imperfect  crystalliza- 
tions ;  the  colors  run  in  zones  or  bands,  often  quite 
distinct,  or  are  variously  shaded,  or  intermingled  with 


FLU  ATE  OP  LIME.      FLUOR.  Ill 

each  other,  forming  tints  of  a  great  variety  of  colors. 
Some  parts  of  a  specimen  will  be  transparent,  others 
translucent,  or  even  opake. 

Obs.  This  variety  comes  from  Derbyshire,  and  is  commonly 
known  by  the  name  of  Derbyshire-spar.  It  is  called  blue  John  by 
the  miners,  and  is  found  in  veins  or  detached  masses,  from  three 
inches  to  a  foot  in  thickness. 

Uses.  It  is  formed  into  vases,  obelisks,  candlesticks,  &c.  for  orna- 
mental purposes.  It  bears  a  high  polish,  and  its  great  variety  of  rich 
colors  renders  it  remarkably  beautiful,  and  in  great  request. 

Var.  2.     COMPACT  FLUATE  OF  LIME. 

Chaux  fluatee  compacte,  H.     Compact  Fluor,  J.  P.     Compact  Flu- 
ate  of  Lime,  C. 

Ext.  Char.— Colors,  various  shades  of  green,  blue, 
violet,  and  red  ;  texture  granular ;  translucent  on  the 
edges ;  phosphorescence  chiefly  green  ;  harder  than 
common  fluor. 

Local.  Cornwall,  Norway,  Hartz,  &c. 

Var.  3.  Earthy  Fluate  of  Lime. — It  occurs  in  friable  masses,  or 
in  the  state  of  powder. 

It  is  found  in  several  of  the  mines  in  England,  and  in  Saxony  and 
Norway. 

Var.  4.    CHLOROPHANE.* 
Chlorophane,  P.  C. 

Ext.  Char. — Color,  pale  violet ;  structure  imperfect- 
ly lamellar  ;  does  not  much  resemble  the  other  varie- 
ties ;  translucent. 

Obs.  It  is  curious  on  account  of  its  phosphorescence.  When 
placed  on  hot  iron,  it  does  not  fly,  but  gives  out  the  most  beautiful 
emerald  green  light  The  experiment  may  be  made  on  a  hot  shovel 
carried  into  the  dark. 

Local.  Cornwall  and  Siberia. 

U.  S.  New  Stratford,  Ct.  When  placed  on  hot  iron  in  a  dark 
room,  it  emits  a  very  pure  emerald  green  light ;  masses  even  one  inch 
in  diameter,  become  illuminated  in  a  few  seconds,  and  continue  dis- 
tinctly luminous  when  removed  to  a  room  lighted  by  candles,  or  when 
viewed  in  weak  day  light. — Sittiman. 

Var.  5.  Fetid  fluat e  of  Lime,  C.  The  external  characters  of  this 
mineral  do  not  sensibly  differ  from  those  of  the  common  colored  va- 
rieties of  rluate  of  lime.  But  when  broken,  or  scratched  by  a  point 
of  steel,  it  emits  a  strong  fetid  odor,  resembling  that  of  carburetted 
hydrogen. — Cleveland. 

Local.  Near  Shawneetown,  Illinois.  .First  observed  by  Mr.  A. 
E.  Jess  up . 

*  From  its  green  light,  when  heated. 


112  SULPHATE  OF  LIME. 

Species  7.     SULPHATE  OF  LIME. 
Chaux  sulphatee,   H.     Gypsum,  A.    P.     Axifrangible   Gypsum,  J. 

Prismatoidal  Gypsum-Haloide,  M. 

The  varieties  of  this  species  differ  widely  in  their  external  characters, 
but  are  composed  of  nearly  the  same  proportions  of  lime  and  sul- 
phuric acid. 
It  occurs  crystallized,  fibrous,  granular,  earthy,  and  compact. 

Var.   1.       CRYSTALLIZED  SULPHATE  OF  LIME. 

Chaux  sulfatee  crystallisee,  H.     Foliated  Sulphate  of  Lime,  C,     S«r 

lenite,  P. 

Ext.  Char. — Colors,  white,  either  pure,  or  with 
shades  of  yellow,  violet,  brown  or  red;  occurs  in  foli- 
ated masses,  and  in  regular  crystals ;  form  of  the  folia- 
ted, oblique  hexahedral  tables,  each  of  the  lateral  fa- 
ces of  which  is  bevelled ;  or  in  flat  crystals  which  are 
oblique  parallelopipids  ;  form  of  the  regular  crystals, 
hexahedral  and  octahedral  prisms,  with  oblique  ter- 
minations ;  crystals  often  united,  somewhat  in  the  stel- 
lular form,  or  the  smaller  crystals  are  attached  oblique- 
ly to  the  larger  ones  ;  structure  foliated  ;  cleavage  ve- 
ry perfect  in  one  direction ;  lustre  shining  pearly  ; 
transparent  or  translucent ;  soft ;  yields  to  the  nail ; 
inelastic:  sp.  gr.  2.310. 

Chem.  Char.  Turns  white  and  opake,  swells,  and  finally,  in  small 
fragments,  melts  into  a  white  enamel ;  does  not  effervesce  with  acids, 
nor  burn  to  lime. 

Comp.  Lime  32  ;  sulphuric  acid  46  ;  water  22. — Bergman. 

Dist.  Char.  It  resembles  mica  and  talc  ;  but  mica  is  elastic,  does 
not  instantly  torn  opake  on  being  heated,  and  is  harder  than  selinite  ; 
talc  is  unctuous  to  the  touch,  and  of  a  greenish  tinge. 

Obs.  1.  The  massive  selinite  sometimes  appears  in  broad,  shining, 
transparent  laminae,  a  foot  or  more  long,  and  several  inches  wide, 
without  the  least  appearance  of  distinct  crystals,  but  resembling 
plates  of  mica. 

Beautiful  specimens  of  this  kind  are  occasionally  found  among  the 
gypsum  from  Nova  Scotia, 

2.  Selinite  often  occurs  in  the  form  of  lenticular  crystals.  These 
sometimes  occur  disseminated  in  the  compact,  or  granular  gypsum, 
or  are  collected  into  groups  in  the  form  of  roses,  stars,  &c. 

Var.  2.     FIBROUS  GYPSUM. 

Chaux  sulphatee  fibreuse,  H.     Fibrous  Gypsum,  J.  P.  C. 
Ext.  Char. — Colors,  white,  grey,  reddish,  and  yellow- 
ish 5  occurs  in  extremely  fine,  delicate,  and  nearly  sep- 


SULPHATE  OP  LIME.  113 

arate  fibres,  of  a  shining  silky  lustre,  and  either 
straight,  or  gently  curved  ;  sometimes  it  is  nearly  com- 
pact, taking  the  form  of  a  concretion. 

This  beautiful  variety  is  polished  for  ornamental  purposes. 


Vtir.  3.       GRANULAR  GYPSUM. 

Foliated  Granular  Gypsum,  J.  Granular  Gypsum,  P.  C. 
Ext.  Char.  —  Colors,  white,  yellowish,  and  reddish  ; 
occurs  in  masses  composed  of  small  laminated  crys- 
tals, which  present  shining  faces,  either  straight  or 
curved  ;  translucent  on  the  edges  ;  very  soft  ;  yields 
to  the  nail. 

Obs.  This  is  a  very  common  variety,  and  appears  to  be  intermedi- 
ate between  selenite  and  compact  gypsum. 

Var.  4.     COMPACT  GYPSUM. 

Chaux  sulfatee  compacte,  EL  Compact  Gypsum,  J.  P.  C. 
Ext.  Char.  —  Colors,  white,  reddish,  or  yellowish,  often 
running  in  veins,  or  clouds  ;  occurs  massive  ;  fracture 
compact;  lustre  glimmering  •  translucent,  or  opake  ; 
easily  cut  with  a  knife  ;  the  white  often  resembles  sper- 
maceti. 

Obs.  I.  This  variety  forms  the  gypseous  alabaster  of  which  cups, 
vases,  candlesticks,  and  other  ornaments  are  made  ;  some  specimens 
after  being  polished,  are  translucent,  and  at  a  few  feet  distance  can 
hardly  be  distinguished  from  spermaceti.  Beautiful  ornaments  of 
this  mineral,  and  in  great  variety,  come  from  Italy.  A  manufactory 
of  the  same  kind  is  also  established  at  Derby,  Eng. 

2.  The  beautiful  white  translucent  alabaster,  of  which  the  Italian 
ornaments  now  so  common  in  this  country,  are  made,  comes  from 
Castelino,  in  Tuscany,  35  miles  from  Leghorn.     The  most  perfect  is 
found  about  200  feet  below  the  surface  of  the  earth.     The  yellowish 
variegated  kind  called  alabastro  agatato,  or  agate  alabaster,  is  found 
at  Sienna,  from  20  to  30  feet  below  the  surface. 

The  bluish  variety  comes  from  Guercieto,  and  is  remarkably  beau- 
tiful, being  elegantly  variegated  with  blue,  purple,  and  red. 

The  principal  manufactory  of  these  articles  is  at  Volterra,  30 
miles  from  Leghorn,  where  about  5,000  persons  live  by  this  kind  of 
labor,  and  from  whence  these  ornaments  are  transported  to  all  parts 
of  the  world. 

This  information  we  obtained  from  one  of  the  proprietors  of  the 
manufactory. 

3.  This  kind  of  alabaster  may  be  readily  known  from  the  calcare- 
ous kind,  by  its  softness  and  want  of  effervescence  with  acids. 

15 


114  SULPHATE  OF  LIME. 

Var.  5.       EARTHY  GYPSUM. 

Earthy  Gypsum,  J.  P.  C. 

Ext.  Char. — Colors,  yellowish  white,  white  or  yel- 
lowish grey  ;  occurs  in  small  scaly  or  dusty  particles  ; 
dull ;  soils  the  fingers ;  light ;  particles  cohere  slight- 
ly, or  not  at  all. 

Obs.  It  is  found  enclosed  in,  or  lying  upon  formations  of  gypsum. 
Jameson  says,  it  is  found  particularly  in  wet  seasons.  Prof.  Cleve- 
land thinks  that  it  proceeds  from  the  disintegration  of  the  other  vari- 
eties. 

Var.  6.     SNOWY  GYPSUM. 

Chaux  sulfatee  niviforme,  H.     Scaly  foliated  Gypsum,  J.     Snowy 

Gypsum,  C. 

Ext.  Char. — Color,  snow  white  ;  occurs  in  minute 
scales,  having  the  appearance  of  newly  fallen  snow; 
exceedingly  delicate  and  tender ;  easily  reduced  to 
powder. 

It  is  found  in  small  masses  among  the  other  varieties. 

Var.  7.       PLAISTER  OF  PARIS. 

Chaux  sulfatee  calcarifere,  H.     Montmatrite,  J.  Plaister  of  Paris,  C. 

Ext.  Char. — Color,  yellowish,  or  brownish ;  occurs 
in  masses,  composed  of  small  grains,  sometimes  of  a 
crystalline  appearance,  and  sometimes  earthy ;  frac- 
ture earthy  ;  dull ;  soft ;  easily  broken  ;  yields  to  the 
nail. 

Chem.  Char.  Effervesces  slightly  with  acids,  owing  to  its  contain- 
ing a  portion  of  lime.  In  other  respects  its  chemical  characters  do 
not  differ  from  the  other  varieties. 

Com/?.  That  of  Montmatre,  near  Paris,  contains  about  17  per 
cent,  of  carbonate  of  lime,  and  a  small  portion  of  the  oxide  of  iron. 

Obs.  1.  Plaister  of  Paris  is  the  name  commonly  used  in  com- 
merce for  the  whole  species,  probably  from  the  circumstance  of  its 
having  been  first  exported  from  the  vicinity  of  Paris. 

2.  This  variety  occurs  in  great  abundance  at  Montmatre,  near  Pa- 
ris, and  is  said  to  produce  the  best  plaister  known  in  commerce. 

3.  Sulphate  of  lime  belongs  to  transition  and  secondary  formations. 
Its  occurrence  as  a  primitive  rock  has  also  been  asserted      But  Saus- 
sure,  who  observed  gypsum  in   several  places  on  the  Alps,  mixed 
with  layers  of  mica,  has  notwithstanding  recorded  his  opinion  against 
its  primitive  origin.     The  gypsum  of  Nova  Scotia,  of  which  vast 
quantities  are  employed  for  manure  and  other  purposes,  presents,  it 
is  believed,  no  organic  remains.     Having  examined  great  quantities 
of  this  gypsum,  with  a  view  to  determine  its  geological  character,  and 
having  interested  the  workmen,  where  it  is  broken  and  ground,  to 


ANHYDROUS    GYPSUM.  115 

observe  any  organic  remains  that  might  occur,  the  writer  has  never 
been  able  to  detect  a  single  shell,  or  other  organized  substanee  in  it. 

The  secondary  gypsum  of  Germany,  it  is  believed,  sometimes  con- 
tains organic  remains. 

That  of  Montmatre  contains  vast  quantities  of  shells,  skeletons  of 
birds,  quadrupeds,  and  even  vegetable  substances. — Cuvier.  Pin- 
Jcerton. 

Uses.  Gypsum  is  ground  and  spread  on  certain  soils  as  a  manure. 
(For  information  on  this  subject,  see  Davy's  Agricultural  Chemis- 
try.) 

It  is  employed  when  calcined,  in  ornamenting  rooms  in  stucco,  m 
taking  the  impressions  of  medals,*  in  casting  statues  and  busts,  &c, 
and  when  mixed  with  lime,  it  is  used  in  plaistering  the  walls  of 
houses. 

Casts,  busts,  &,c.  of  plaister,  are  easily  polished  when  dry,  by  rub- 
bing the  surface  with  talc. 

Remark.  Broken  articles  of  plaister  are  mended  by  first  wetting 
the  surfaces  to  be  joined,  then  mixing  the  calcined  plaister  with  gum 
water,  and  applying  it  before  it  hardens. 

Local.  Hungary,  Italy,  Bohemia,  England,  and  most  other  coun- 
tries. Nova  Scotia,  in  extensive  quarries. 

U.  S.  Niagara,  near  the  Falls,  and  at  the  foot  of  Goat  Island.  Onon- 
daga  and  Madison  Counties,  near  Cayuga  Lake,  (at  the  three  last 
named  places,  it  is  quarried.)  Manlius,  Lockport,  and  in  several 
other  places,  N.  Y.  Martha's  Vineyard,  and  Milton,  Mass.  Salt- 
ville,  on  Holstein  river,  (quarried,)  near  Preston's  salt  works,  and  at 
the  head  waters  of  Staunton  river,  Va.  St  Mary's  County,  on  the 
Patuxet,  on  the  Potomac,  near  Fort  Washington,  and  near  Baltimore, 
Md.  It  is  also  found  in  many  other  places  in  the  U.  States,  in  small 
quantities. 

Species  8.     ANHYDROUS*  GYPSUM. 

Chaux  anhydro-sulfatee,   H.     Anhydrite,  J.     Anhydrous  Gypsum, 
A.  P.     Anhvdrous  Sulphate  of  Lime,  C. 

This  species  occurs  crystallized,  granular,  Jibrous,  and  compact.     It 
therefore  affords  several  varieties. 

Var.    1.    MURIACITE.t 

Chaux  anhydro-sulfatee  lamellaire,  H.      Sparry  Anhydrite,  J.  C. 

Muriacite,  P. 

Ext.  Char. — Colors,  white,  violet,  bluish  or  reddish  : 
occurs  crystallized  in  rectangular  prisms,  sometimes 
differing  little  from  a  cube,  and  sometimes  so  short  as 
to  become  tabular ;  structure  lamellar,  with  joints  par- 
allel to  the  planes  of  the  prism  ;  lustre  shining  pearly  j 
transparent  or  translucent ;  soft ;  yields  to  the  nail. 

*  Anhydrous,  without  water,  because  it  contains  no  wafer  of  crystallization, 
t  JMuriacite,  because  it  sometimes  contains  muriatic  acid. 


116  ANHYDROUS  GYPSUM. 

Chem.  Char.  Infusible,  but  is  reduced  without  exfoliation  to  a 
white  friable  enamel ;  does  not  effervesce  with  acids. 

Comp.  Lime  40  ;  sulphuric  acid  60. —  Vauquelin. 

Lime  41.75  ;  sulphuric  acid  55  ;  muriate  of  soda  1. — Klaproth. 

Dist.  Char.  It  does  not  like  the  sulphate  of  lime,  exfoliate  and 
melt  into  a  hard  enamel,  but  under  the  blowpipe  is  converted  into  a 
friable  enamel. 

Local.  Swi'zerland,  and  Tyrol. 

U.  S.  Lockport,  N.  Y. 

Var.  2.       GRANULAR  ANHYDRITE. 

Scaly  Anhydrite,  J.     Granular  Anhydrite,  0.     Granular  Anhydrous 

Gypsum,  P. 

Ext.  Char. — Colors,  greyish,  greenish  grey,  bluish  or 
reddish  ;  occurs  in  concretions  ;  structure  granular,  or 
confusedly  foliated,  sometimes  bladed,  or  contorted  ; 
lustre  shining,  pearly  ;  translucent. 

It  often  contains  a  little  muriate  of  soda, 

Var.  3.     FIBROUS  ANHYDRITE. 
Fibrous  Anhydrite,  J.  C.     Fibrous  Anhydrous  Gypsum,  P. 

Ext.  Char. — Colors,  greyish,  greenish  grey,  bluish  or 
reddish ;  occurs  in  masses  composed  of  fibres,  either 
straight  and  parallel,  or  diverging ;  translucent  on  the 
edges  ;  lustre,  shining,  pearly. 

Var.  4.     COMPACT  ANHYDRITE. 
Compact  Anhydrite,  J.  P.  C. 

Ext.  Char. — Colors,  white,  grey,  blue  and  red  ;  oc- 
curs massive  and  sometimes  contorted ;  fracture  splin- 
tery, passing  into  flat  conchoidal :  translucent  on  the 
edges;  scratches  calcareous  spar. 

Comp.  Lime  42  ;  sulphuric  acid  56.50;  muriate  of  soda  0.25. — 
Klaproth. 

Local.  It  is  found  in  the  salt  mines  of  Poland. 

Var.  5.     SILICEOUS  ANHYDRITE. 

Chaux  anhydro-sulphatee  quartzifere,  H.  Siliciferous  Anhydrous 
Gypsum,  P.  Silico-Aahydrous  Sulphate  of  Lime,  C.  Vulpi- 
nite,  J. 

Ext  Char. — Colors,  greyish  white,  veined  with  blu- 
ish grey ;  occurs  in  distinct  massive  concretions  ; 
structure  laminated  ;  translucent  on  the  edges  ;  lustre? 
splendent;  soft;  brittle: 

Comp.  It  contains  8  per  cent  of  silex. —  Vauquelin. 


NITRATE  OP  LIME.       SILICEOUS  BORATE  OP  LIME,      117 

It  is  found  with  limestone  at  Vulpino,  in  Italy. 
Obs.  It  takes  a  fine  polish  and  is  employed  for  ornamental  pur- 
poses. 

Species  9.     NITRATE  OF  LIME. 
Chaux  nitratee,  H.     Nitrate  of  Lime,  P.  C. 
Ext.    Char. — Colors,   white,   yellowish,   or   greyish 
white ;  occurs  in  fibrous  efflorescences ;  often  united 
in  the  form  of  silken  tufts,  also  in  delicate  needles,  and 
in  a  state  of  powder ;  tastes  bitter  and  disagreeable. 

Chem.  Char.  On  burning  coals  it  slowly  melts  away,  and  emits 
slight  detonations  ;  soluble  in  water  and  very  deliquescent. 

Comp.  Lime  32  ;  nitric  acid  57.44  ;  water  10.57. — Klaproth. 

Itist.  Char.  Its  bitter  taste,  and  its  ready  deliquescence  will  dis- 
tinguish it  from  nitrate  of  potash. 

It  is  generally  found  with  the  nitrate  of  potash,  and  occurs  about 
old  walls,  in  caverns,  and  on  calcareous  rocks  among  vegetable  re- 
mains. 

Local.   U.  S.  It  is  abundant  in  the  caverns  of  Kentucky. 

Species.  10.  SILICEOUS  BORATE  OF  LIME. 

Chaux  boratee  silicieuse,  H.  Prismatic  Datolite.  J.  Datholite, 
Borate  of  Lime,  P.  Siliceous  Borate  of  Lime,  C.  Prismatic  Dys- 
thene-Spar,  M. 

Ext.  Char. — Color,  greyish  or  greenish  white  ;  occurs 
massive  and  crystallized ;  form,  the  rhombic  prism, 
with  the  lateral  edges,  and  solid  angles,  variously 
truncated ;  sometimes  the  two  opposite  angles,  and 
sometimes  all  the  angles  are  truncated,  or  bevelled ; 
the  two  opposite  angles  are  often  replaced  by  three 
planes,  forming  a  prism  of  ten  sides ;  fracture  imper- 
fectly conchoidal ;  lustre  shining  between  vitreous  and 
resinous  ;  translucent ;  yields  to  the  knife ;  sp.  gr. 
about  3. 

Chem  Chnr.  Intumesces  into  a  white  mass,  and  then  melts  into 
a  globule  of  a  pale  rose  color  ;  forms  a  jelly  with  acids  ;  in  the  flame 
of  a  candle,  turns  white,  opake,  and  becomes  friable. 

Comp.  Lime  84  ;  boracic  acid  21.67  ;  silex  37.66  ;  water  55. — 
Vauquelin. 

Dist.  Chnr.  It  sometimes  resembles  prehnite  ;  but  is  not  electric 
by  heat,  and  its  hardness  is  sensibly  inferior. — Cleveland. 

VaT.    BOTRYOLITE.* 

Botryolite,  J.  P.  C. 
Ext.  Char. — Color,  white,  greyish,  and  red  in  concen- 

*  From  the  Greek,  resembling  grapes. 


118  SUBSULPHATE   OP  LIME. 

trie  circles ;  externally  yellowish  grey ;  occurs  in  bo- 
tryoidal  masses,  and  in  mamillary  concretions,  formed 
of  concentric  layers ;  texture  fibrous  or  earthy  ;  sp. 
gr.  2.8. 

Comp.  Lime  39.5  ;  silex  36  ;  boracic  acid  13.5  ;  water  6.5;  oxide 
of  iron  1. — Klaproth. 

This  species  is  found  at  Arendal  in  Norway. 

U.  S.  Near  Passaic  Falls,  N.  J.  It  was  discovered  by  J.  Pierce, 
Esq.  and  is  well  characterized. 

Species  11.  ARSENIATE  OF  LIME. 

Chaux  arseniate,  H.     Pharmacolite,  P.   J.    M.     Arseniate  of 

Lirne,  C. 

Ext.  Char. — Color,  white,  or  greyish  white;  surface 
often  tinged  red,  or  violet  by  arseniate  of  cobalt ;  oc- 
curs in  minute  fibres,  or  in  acicular  crystals,  commonly 
aggregated  into  botryoidal  masses;  lustre  silky,  or  dull; 
sp.  gr.  2.6. 

Chem.  Char.  Evaporates  in  dense  white  vapor,  with  the  odor  of 
arsenic,  leaving  the  lime.  Soluble  in  nitric  acid  without  efferves- 
cence. 

Comp.  Lime  25  ;  arsenic  acid  50.54  ;  water  24,46. — Klaproth. 

Dist.  Char.  Its  chemical  characters  will  distinguish  it  from  the 
minerals  it  most  resembles. 

Local.  Andreasburg  in  the  Hartz.  Near  Furstemburg  in  Ger- 
many, with  cobalt  and  sulphate  of  lime. 

Genus  2— ALUMINE. 

This  earth  derives  its  name  from  alum,  of  which  it  is  the  base.  It 
never  occurs  pure,  but  may  be  obtained  so  by  chemical  means, 
when  it  is  of  a  clear  white.  It  occurs  very  universally  in  argillaceous 
soils,  and  enters  into  the  composition  of  several  gems,  as  the  sap- 
phire and  ruby.  In  the  species  belonging  to  this  genus,  it  is  com- 
bined with  acids,  and  forms  the  basis  of  several  salts. 

Species  1.  SUBSULPHATE  OF  ALUMINE. 
Aluminite,   J.     M.     Sub-sulphate  of  Alumine,  P.  C. 

Ext.  Char. — Color,  white,  or  yellowish  white ;  oc- 
curs massive  in  small  round  or  reniform  pieces ;  trans- 
lucent, or  opake ;  fracture  earthy ;  yields  to  the  nail ; 
adheres  to  the  tongue ;  light. 

Chem.  Char.  Infusible,  but  loses  more  than  half  its  weight  by  the 
heat. 

Comp.  Alumine  30.2 ;  sulphuric  acid  23.4  ;  water  46.4. — Stro* 
mtyer. 

Local.  Newhaven,  Sussex,  Eng.    Halle,  in  Saxony. 


SUBPHOSPHATE  OP  ALUMINE.  119 

Far.  1.  SILICEOUS  SUBSULPHATE  OP  ALUMINE. 

Siliciferous  Sub-sulphate  of  Alumine,  P. 
Ext.  Char. — Color,  between  milk,  and  snow  white ; 
occurs  of  the  consistence  of  hogs  lard  ;  smooth  to  the 
touch;  translucent,  except  in  patches,  where  it  is 
opake  and  granular;  on  exposure  to  the  air,  it  dries  and 
splits  into  masses  like  starch,  some  of  which  effer- 
vesce on  the  surface,  while  others  are  translucent,  and 
resemble  the  finest  pieces  of  gum  arabic. — Phillips. 

Chem.  Char.  By  ignition  it  loses  90  per  cent,  of  its  weight. 

Comp.  Alumine  6.5  ;  sulphuric  acid  3.0  ;  water  88 ;  silex  2.4. — 
Henry. 

Local.  This  singular  mineral  was  found  in  the  old  workings  of  a 
eoal  mine  near  Oldham  in  Lancashire. 

Species  2.  SUBPHOSPHATE  OF  ALUMINE. 

Hydrargillite, — Davy.     Wavelite.*     Sub-phosphate  of  Alumine,  P. 
Phosphate  of  Alumine,  C. 

Ext.  Char. — Colors,  white,  yellowish  white,  greenish 
or  bluish ;  occurs  in  minute  crystals  in  the  form  of 
rhombic  prisms,  with  dihedral  terminations ;  these 
are  grouped,  or  collected  into  hemispherical,  or  glob- 
ular concretions ;  sometimes  appearing  like  down,  but 
more  commonly  radiating  from  a  centre,  with  a  pearly 
or  silken  lustre.  It  is  often  attached  to  other  minerals, 
in  distinct,  round,  stellular  spots,  presenting,  when  the 
mineral  is  of  a  different  color,  a  singular  arid  beautiful 
appearance ;  translucent. 

Chem.  Char.  Infusible,  but  becomes  white  and  opake,  and  loses 
its  crystalline  form  :  gives  a  greenish  tinge  to  the  flame  ;  Aikin 
says,  that  with  sulphuric  acid  it  corrodes  glass. 

Comp.  Alumine  35.35  ;  phosphoric  acid  33.40 ;  fluoric  acid  2.06 ; 
lime  0.50  ;  water  26.90  ;  oxides  of  iron  and  manganese  1 .25.— JBer- 
zeliifs. 

Dist.  Char.  It  resembles  zeolite,  but  this  is  fusible.  Its  property  of 
corroding  glass,  is  not  constant,  but  may  sometimes  be  seen  by 
placing  a  little  of  it  in  powder  with  sulphuric  acid  on  a  piece  of 
glass  and  warming  it  over  a  lamp. 

Local.  Barnstable  in  Devonshire;  Cornwall;  New  Castle,  and 
other  places  in  England.  Brazil,  Bohemia,  and  the  Hebrides.  First 
discovered  at  Barnstable  by  Dr.  Wavel. 

Obs.  A  mineral  found  at  Richmond,  Berkshire  county,  Mass,  is 
supposed  to  belong  to  the  present  species.  It  occurs  stalactical  cflr 
in  concre  ions  composed  of  minute  radiating  fibres  ;  color  greenish 
or  greyishfWhite  ;  scratches  carbonate  of  lime.  Infusible. 

*  After  Dr.  Wavel,  Us  discoverer. 


* 

120  CARBONATE  OF  MAGNESIA. 

Genus  3.— MAGNESIA. 

Like  the  other  earths,  magnesia  when  pure,  is  perfectly  white. 
That  sold  by  apothecaries,  is  obtained  by  the  decomposition  of  the 
sulphate  of  magnesia.  It  is  also  found  native  in  small  quantities.  It 
enters  into  the  composition  of  a  considerable  variety  of  minerals.  It 
forms  the  basis  of  several  native  salts,  being  found  combined  with  the 
carbonic,  sulphuric,  and  boracic  acids. 

Species  I.  CARBONATE  OF  MAGNESIA. 
Magnesite,  J.     M.      Carbonate  of  Magnesia,  P.  C. 
Of  this  species  there  are  four  varieties,  viz.  crystallized,  compact, 
earthy,  and  pulverulent. 

Var.   \.    CRYSTALLIZED  CARBONATE  OF  MAGNESIA. 

Crystallized  Carbonate  of  Magnesia,  C.  P. 
Ext.  Char. — Color,  white  ;  occurs  in  delicate  acicu- 
lar  crystals,  radiating,  or  diverging,  and  possessing  the 
lustre  of  satin  ;  also  in  flesh  colored  crusts,  not  more 
than  two  lines  thick,  having  a  polished,  or  sparry  struc- 
ture. It  is  totally  soluble  in  sulphuric  acid. — Cleveland. 

Local.  Staten  Island.  N.  Y.  Discovered  by  James  Pierce,  Esq.  in 
veins,  or  cavities  in  magnesite  and  steatite. 

Var.  2.  COMPACT  CARBONATE  OF  LIME. 

Magnesia  carbonatee,  H.     Magnesite,  J.  A.     Carbonate  of  Magne- 
sia, P.  C. 

Ext.  Char. — Colors,  grey,  or  yellowish  ;  occurs  amor- 
phous, tuberous,  and  spongiform  ;  fracture,  dull,  splin- 
tery, and  flat  conchoid al ;  nearly  opake  ;  yields  to  the 
nail  externally;  internally  harder  than  calcareous  spar ; 
adheres  to  the  tongue  ;  absorbs  from  9  to  10  per  cent 
of  water,  and  becomes  translucent  on  the  edges. 

Chem.  Char.  Soluble  with  effervescence,  but  slowly,  in  muriatic 
and  sulphuric  acids  ;  irifusible,but  hardens  under  the  blowpipe  so  as 
to  scratch  glass. — Aikin. 

Comp.  Magnesia  58  ;  carbonic  acid  49  ;  water  3. — Klaproth. 

Dist.  Char.  The  bitter  solution  which  it  forms  when  dissolved  in 
sulphuric  acid,  and  its  not  burning  to  quicklime,  will  distinguish  it 
from  chalk,  and  other  forms  of  carbonate  of  lime.  It  does  not,  like 
clay,  become  plastic  with  water. 

Local  Upper  Stiria,  Moravia,  Italy,  Spain,  and  Silesia. 

17.  S.  Bare  Hills,  near  Baltimore. 


SULPHATE  OF  MAGNESIA.      BOR ATE  OP  MAGNESIA.       121 
Var.  3.    EARTHY    CARBONATE  OF  MAGNESIA. 

Ext.  Char. — Color,  whitish  or  yellowish  white ;  oc- 
curs in  porous  masses ;  fracture  earthy  ;  yields  easily 
to  the  nail;  adheres  to  the  tongue;  sometimes  swims 
on  water. 

Local.  Samos,  Negropont,  Moravia,  and  Cornwall. 
Obs.  It  is  called  Meerschaum  in  the  east,  and  is  used  for  the  same 
purposes  as  Fullers  earth  is  with  us. 

Var.    4.    PULVEUULENT    CARBONATE  OF  MAGNESIA. 

Pulverulent  Carbonate  of  Magnesia. — Pierce. 
Ext.  Char. — Color,  yellowish  white  ;  occurs  in  small 
masses,   which  fall  to  powder  on  drying;  soft  to  the 
touch  ;  soils  the  fingers  ;  soluble  in  sulphuric  acid. 

Local.  India. 

U.  S.  Hoboken,  N.  J.  Discovered  by  James  Pierce  Esq.  Sta- 
ten  Island,  N.  Y.  Roxborough,  Penn. 

Species  2.  SULPHATE  OF  MAGNESIA. 

Prismatic  Epsom  Salt,  J.     M.     Magnesie  sulfatee,  H.     Sulphate  of 
Magnesia,   A.  P.  C. 

Ext.  Char. — Color,  white,  or  greyish  white  ;  occurs 
in  crystalline  fibres,  adhering  together  longitudi- 
nally ;  lustre  silky  or  pearly ;  translucent ;  not  very 
brittle ;  taste,  bitter  and  nauseous. 

Chem  Char.  Soluble  in  water,  from  which  it  is  precipitated  by  the 
carbonate  of  potash  or  soda.  Under  the  blowpipe,  it  boils,  gives  off 
its  water  of  crystallization,  and  remains  a  white,  infusible,  spongy 
mass. 

It  is  found  on  the  surface  of  decomposing  gypsum,  or  schistus,  or* 
the  surface  of  particular  soils,  and  in  mineral  waters. 

Local.  Epsom,*  in  England,  and  Sedlitz,  in  Bohemia.  At  these 
places,  it  is  abundant  in  mineral  springs. 

U.  S.  Mammoth  Cave,  Ky.  Green  briar  and  Monroe  counties, 
Va.  Near  Corydon,  In.  in  abundance.  Coeyrnans,  iV.  Y. 

Species  3.  BORATE  OF  MAGNESIA. 

Magnesie  boratee,  C       Hexahedral  Boracite,  J.      Boracite,  P.     Bo- 
rate  of  Magnesia,  C.     Octahedral  Boracite,  M. 

Ext.  Char. — Colors,  yellowish,  greyish,  or  greenish 
white  ;  occurs  crystallized  in  the  form  of  a  cube,  va- 
riously modified  by  truncation  ;  sometimes  all  the 
edges  are  truncated,  but  in  every  case  the  diagonally 

"Whence  Epsom  salt,  the  common  name  of  the  species.. 
16 


122  CARBONATE  OP  BARYTES. 

opposite  angles  are  differently  modified,  sometimes  by 
simple  truncation,  and  sometimes  by  bevelment;  the 
solid  angles  are  subject  to  the  same  diversity :  fracture 
uneven,  passing  into  flat  conchoidal ;  lustre  glistening ; 
transparent  or  translucent  ;  sometimes  gives  sparks 
with  steel  ;  pyro-electric,  the  opposite  angles  being  in 
opposite  electrical  states. 

Chem.  Char.  Fusible  into  an  opake  white  glass. 

Comp.  Magnesia  16.6;  boracic  acid  83.4. —  Vauquelin. 

Dist.  Char.  Its  peculiar  character  of  possessing  opposite  electrici- 
ties at  its  opposite  angles,  and  the  dissimilar  opposite  modifications  of 
its  angles,  will  distinguish  it  from  all  other  minerals  which  it  resem- 
bles. 

Local  Lower  Saxony,  embedded  in  gypsum  ;  near  Kiel,  in  Hoi- 
stein,  embedded  in  anhydrous  gypsum. 

Genus  4.— BARYTES. 

When  pure,  barytes  is  while,  has  a  caustic,  somewhat  alkaline 
taste,  and  by  the  chemists  is  placed  among  the  alkaline  earths.  It  is  a 
strong  poison.  It  never  occurs  pure  in  nature,  but  is  found  combin- 
ed with  the  carbonic  and  sulphuric  acids,  forming  carbonate  of  bary- 
tes, and  sulphate  of  barytes. 

Species.  1.    CARBONATE  OF  BARYTES. 

Baryte  carbonatee,  H.     Rhomboidal  Baryte,  J.     Carbonate  of  Bary- 
tes, P.  C.     Di-Prismatic,  Hal-Baryte,  M. 

Ext.  Char. — Colors,  white,  or  greyish  white,  or  yel- 
lowish, bluish,  or  greenish  ;  occurs  massive,  stalactical, 
and  in  crystals ;  form,  resembling  closely  the  common 
crystals  of  quartz,  viz.  six-sided  prisms,  terminated  by 
six-sided  pyramids  ;  sometimes  with  the  apices  trun- 
cated ;  fracture  of  the  massive  undulated ;  structure 
fibrous  or  bladed  ;  lustre  glistening;  translucent  or 
opake ;  scratches  carbonate  of  lime :  sp.  gr.  4.4. 

Chem.  Char.  Fusible  into  a  white  enamel ;  soluble  with  efferves- 
cence, in  dilute  nitric,  or  muriatac  acid,  a  little  of  which  tinges  burn- 
ing alcohol  yellow. 

Comp.  Barytes  78  ;  carbonic  acid  22. — Klaproth. 

Dist.  Char.  Its  weight  will  distinguish  it  from  the  minerals  it  re- 
sembles, except  strontian  and  the  sulphate  of  barytes.  The  sulphate 
does  not  effervesce  ;  and  carbonate  of  strontian,  when  dissolved  in  an 
acid,  and  mixed  with  alcohol,  tinges  the  flame  purple,  instead  of  yel- 
low. 

Obs.  1.  The  cells  of  the  massive  variety  of  this  substance,  often 
contain  the  crystallized  variety. 


SULPHATE  OP  BARYTES.  1 23 

2.  When  reduced  to  thin  plates,  it  gives  by  refracted  light,  two 
images,  one  bright,  and  the  other  nebulous.-^ Cleveland. 

3.  The  native  carbonate  of  barytes,  is  next  to  arsenic,  one  of  the 
strongest  of  mineral  poisons.     When  dissolved  in  muriatic  acid,  it  is 
employed  in  minute  doses,  as  a  remedy  in  certain  diseases 

Local.  It  was  first  discovered  by  Dr.  Withering  in  Lancashire,  Eng- 
land, hence  Witherite,  one  of  its  names.  It  has  since  been  found  in 
several  other  places  in  England,  in  Hungary,  Stiria,  and  Siberia. 

U.  S.  Near  Lexington,  Ky. 

Species  2.  SULPHATE  OF  BARYTES. 

Prismatic   Baryte,  or  Heavy   Spar,  J.      Sulphate  of  Barytes,  P.  C. 
Prismatic  Hal-Baryte,  M.     Baryte  Sulfatee,  H. 

Ext.  Char. — Colors,  white,  yellowish  white,  flesh  red, 
greenish  white,  and  bluish ;  occurs  crystallized  and 
massive;  primitive  form,  a  right  four-sided  prism,  whose 
bases  are  rhombs;  subject  to  a  variety  of  modifications 
by  truncation  ;  structure  lamellar,  with  cleavage  in 
three  directions  ;  crystals  sometimes  curved  ;  lustre 
shining,  between  pearly  and  vitreous ;  yields  easily  to 
the  knife  ;  translucent :  sp.  gr.  4.446. — Molis. 

Obs.  These  crystals  are  generally  so  short,  as  to  take  the  tabular 
form. 


Fig.  21.  The  primary  form,  a  right  prism,  with  rhombic  bases. 

Chem  Char.  Decrepitates,  becomes  vitrified  on  the  outside,  and 
finally  melts  into  an  opake  white  enamel.  If  colored  with  oxide  of 
copper,  the  flame,  on  its  first  application  is  tinged  green,  otherwise 
not ;  if  the  enamel  be  applied  to  the  tongue,  it  tastes  like  rotten  eggs  ; 
it  does  not  effervesce  with  acids. 

Conp.  Barytes  67  ;  sulphuric  acid  33. — Klaproth. 

Dist.  Char.  Its  specific  gravity  will  distinguish  it  from  the  mine- 
rals it  most  resembles,  except  strontian,  carbonate  of  barytes,  and  car- 
bonate of  lead.  Strontian  after  fusion  never  gives  the  fetid  taste  of 
barytes  ;  it  gives  a  purple  flame,  when  dissolved  in  an  acid,  and  burn- 
ed with  alcohol  ;  carbonate  of  strontian  effervesces  ;  carbonate  of 
lead  effervesces,  and  is  reduced  to  the  metallic  state  under  the  blow- 
pipe. 

Sulphate  of  barytes  is  found  in  considerable  variety  of  form  and 
itructure,  and  therefore  admits  of  a  number  of  sub-divisions. 

Obs.  Among  the  more  remarkable  tints  which  occur  in  this 
species,  Mohs,  has  noticed  the  following,  viz.  smalt-blue,  pale  sky- 
blue,  almost  indigo  blue,  woad-brown,  and  hair  brown,  bright  red 
and  yellow. 


124  SULPHATE  OF  BARYTES. 


1.   LAMELLAR  SULPHATE  OF  BARYTES. 

Straight  lamellar  and  prismatic  heavy-spar,  J.     Lamellar  Sulphate  of 

Barytes,  C. 

Ext.  Char  —  Colors,  white,  yellowish  white,  grey, 
reddish,  bluish,  or  greenish  ;  occurs  crystallized, 
sometimes  distinct,  hut  commonly  in  foliated  masses  ; 
form,  the  right  rhombic  prism,  subject  to  a  great  varie- 
ty of  truncations,  or  bevelments  ;  crystals  compressed 
into  a  tabular  form  ;  generally  aggregated  into  masses, 
so  as  to  present,  when  broken,  longish  granular  parti- 
cles, of  various  sizes  ;  translucent  ;  lustre  shining  ; 
pearly  ;  fragments  rhomboidal  ;  easily  broken. 


Pig.  22.  A  four-sided  table,  a  common  form. 

Fig.  23.  A  right  prism  with  rhombic  bases,  modified  by  the  trun- 
cation of  its  alternate  solid  angles. 

Fig.  24.  A  four-sided  table  with  truncated  terminal,  or  narrow 
faces,  and  solid  angles. 

Fig  25.  The  same,  with  the  narrow  faces  modified  by  bevelment, 
and  its  angles  by  truncation. 

Obs.  I .  The  crystals  are  often  colorless  and  transparent,  and  al- 
though generally  small,  Lowry  mentions  one,  six  inches  long. 

2.  The  laminae  of  this  variety  are  often  curved,  and  sometimes 
unite  in  a  point  like  the  petals  of  a  flower. 

3  Sometimes  the  folia  are  set  on  their  edges,  forming  thin  crystals 
called  cockscomb  spar. 

ft.     fc-.V          r-   ^fr      '» 

Var.  2.     COLUMNAR  HEAVY  SPAR. 

Baryte  sulphatee  barillaire,  H.     Columnar  Heavy-Spar,  J.    Colum- 
nar Sulphate  of  Barytes,  C. 

It  consists  of  very  thin  crystals,  which  are  aggregated  longitudi- 
nally, or  are  collected  into  bundles,  or  columnar  groups ;  structure 
foliated  ;  the  columns  striated  ;  lustre  pearly  ;  translucent. 

Var.  3.     riBROus  HEAVY-SPAR. 

Baryte   sulphatee   concretionee-fibreuse,   H.     Fibrous   Sulphate  of 

Barytes,  C. 

Ext.  Char. — Color,  chesnut  brown  ;  occurs  in  botry- 
oidal,  or  reniform  masses  ;  structure  fibrous  ;  lustre, 
shining  resinous  ;  transparent ;  brittle. 

Comp.  Sulph.  barytes  99  ;  with  a  trace  of  iron. — Klaproth. 


SULPHATE  OF  BARYTES.  125 

.  4.       RADIATED  HEAVY-SPAR. 

Baryte  sulphatee  radiee,  H.     Bolognian  Stone,  P.     Radiated  Sul- 
phate of  Barytes,  C. 

Ext.  Char  .--Color,  grey,  or  yellowish  grey;  occurs 
in  roundish  masses,  composed  of  radiating  minute  crys- 
tals, which  appear  to  come  from  the  centre,  arid  to 
project  unequally  on  the  surface,  giving  it  a  rough  ex- 
terior ;  fracture  foliated  ;  translucent. 

Obs.  This  variety  being  calcined,  then  mixed  with  mucilage  of 
gum  arabic,  and  formed  into  small  pieces,  and  again  heated,  has 
the  property,  after  exposure  to  light,  of  shining  in  the  dark.  It  is 
then  called  Bolognian  phosphorus. 

It  is  found  at  Bologna,  in  Italy,  hence  the  name. 


.   5.       GRANULAR  HEAVY-SPAR. 

Baryte  sulphatee  granulaire,  H.     Granular  Heavy-Spar,  P.     Granu- 
lar Sulphate  of  Barytes,  C. 

Ext.  Char.  —  Colors,  white,  yellowish,  or  greyish 
white  ;  occurs  massive  ;  structure  finely  granular  ; 
grains,  crystalline  and  lamellar  ;  lustre  shining  ;  feebly 
translucent. 

Comp.  It  contains  10  per  cent  of  silex.  —  Klaproth. 
Var.  6.     COMPACT  HEAVY-SPAR. 

Baryte   sulphatee   compacte,   H.     Compact  Heavy-Spar,  J.     Com- 
pact Sulphate  of  Barytes,  C. 

Ext.  Char.  —  Colors,  white,  greyish,  or  reddish  white  ; 
occurs  massive  ;  fracture  coarse,  earthy,  dull,  soft,  and 
brittle. 

Local.  It  is  found  in  Bohemia,  Saxony,  and  in  the  mines  of  Der- 
byshire. 

Var.  7.       EARTHY  HEAVY-SPAR. 

Earthy  Sulphate  of  Barytes,  C. 

It  occurs  in  earthy  particles  slightly  cohering  ;  lustre  glimmering, 
or  dull  ;  heavy. 

Local.  It  is  found  near  Freyberg,  Saxony,  also  in  Bohemia,  Der- 
byshire, &c. 

Subsp.  1.     FE  TID  SULPHA  TE  OF  BAR  YTES. 

Baryte  sulfatee  fetide.     Hepatite,  J.  A.  P.  M.     Fetid  Sulphate  of 

Barytes,  C. 

Ext.  Char.—  Colors,  yellowish,  brownish,  or  blackish  ; 
occurs  in  globular  masses  ;  structure  foliated  ;  gives 


126  CARBONATE  OF  STRONTIAN. 

a  sulphureous  odor  when  rubbed,  or  heated  ;  in  other 
respects  it  resembles  the  common  varieties. 

Comp.  Sulphate  of  barytes  85.2  ;  sulphate  of  lime  6  ;  alumine  1  ; 
oxide  of  iron  5  ;  carbon  0.5  — Klaproth. 

Uses.  The  pure  white  varieties  are  ground  and  used  as  a  white 
paint,  either  alone  or  mixed  with  white  lead,  which  cannot  be  con- 
sidered as  an  imposition. — Mohs. 

Obs.  Crystals  of  the  present  species  have  been  artificially  obtain- 
ed by  dissolving  sulpho-cyanuret  of  barium  in  sulphuric  acid,  and 
allowing  this  solution  to  be  slowly  decomposed  by  the  influence  of 
the  atmosphere. — Mohs. 

Sulphate  of  barytes  is  found  in  veins,  in  primitive  transition  and  se- 
condary rocks.  Its  localities  are  numerous,  though  it  seldom  occurs 
in  large  quantities.  It  is  commonly  found  with  the  ores  of  lead, 
copper,  zinc,  &c. 

Local.  Its  foreign  localities  are  numerous,  being  found  in  almost 
every  country  where  mines  are  explored. 

U.  S.  Cheshire,  Berlin,  Farmington,  Hartford,  and  Southington, 
Con. — Sittiman.  Hatfield. — Gorham.  Southampton. — Eaton.  Mid- 
dlefield  and  Greenfield,  Mass. — Hitchcock.  Livingston's  lead  mine. 
—Shaefer.  Little  Falls,  on  the  Mohawk.— Eaton.  The  High- 
lands, near  the  Hudson,  N.  Y. — Pierce  and  Torrey.  Near  New- 
ton, Sussex  County. — Chilton.  On  the  west  side  of  Paulin's  Kill, 
and  near  Scotch  Plains,  N.  J. — Pierce  and  Torrey.  Perikomen 
lead  mine. — Wetherill  Buck's  County,  3  miles  west  of  New  Hope. 
— Lea.  Bedford  County,  at  the  foot  of  Blue  Ridge,  Penn. —  Wister. 
Liberty,  Frederic  County,  and  Washington  County,  Md. — Hayden. 
Near  Lexington,  Ken. — Jessup.  Several  of  the  lead  mines  in  Mis- 
souri.— Schooler  aft. 

Genus  5.— STRONTIAN.* 

/This  earth  in  many  respects  resembles  that  of  barytes.  It  is  white 
and  fuses  with  difficulty.  It  is  never  found  pure  in  nature,  but  is 
combined  with  the  carbonic  and  sulphuric  acids,  forming  a  carbo- 
nate and  sulphate  of  strontian. 

Species  1.     CARBONATE  OF  STRONTIAN. 

Strontiane  carbonatee,  H.     Carbonate  of  Strontian,  P.  C.     Di-pris- 
matic  Baryte,  or  Strontianite,  J.     Peritomous  Hal-Baryte,  M. 

Ext.  Char. — Colors,  white,  greyish,  or  greenish 
white  ;  occurs  crystallized,  fibrous,  massive,  and  stel- 
lated ;  form,  the  hexahedral  prism,  modified  by  trun- 
cation, or  terminated  by  pyramids ;  structure  diverg- 
ingly  fibrous,  or  bladed ;  lustre,  shining  pearly  ; 

*  From  its  having  been  first  observed  at  Strontiao,  in  Scotland. 


BARYTIC  CARBONATE  AND  SULPHATE  OF  STRONTIAN.   127 

fracture,  fine  grained,  uneven  ;  crystals  small  or  acicu- 
lar,  often  attached  to  the  massive ;  yields  to  the  knife ; 
brittle  :  sp.  gr.  nearly  4. 

Chem.  Char.  Becomes  glazed  on  the  outside,  but  does  not  melt ; 
tinges  the  flame  purplish  red  ;  effervesces  with  nitric,  or  muriatic 
acid,  and  a  paper  dipped  in  the  solution,  burns  with  a  purple  flame  ; 
with  borax  dissolves  into  a  clear  globule. 

Comp.  Strontian  G9.5  ;  carbonic  acid  30. — Klaproth. 

Dist.  Char.  It  resembles  carbonate  of  barytes,  but  the  carbonate 
melts  without  tinging  the  flame.  It  is  found  in  primitive  rocks, 
with  the  ores  of  lead,  zinc,  and  copper,  and  often  accompanied  by 
sulphate  of  barytes,  and  calcareous  spar. 

It  has  not  been  discovered  in  the  U.  States. 

Species  2.    BARYTIC  CARBONATE  OF  STRONTIAN. 
Barystrontianite,  Traill,  P.  C. 

Ext.  Char. — Color,  internally,  yellowish  white,  ex- 
ternally, greyish  white ;  lustre,  when  broken,  weakly 
shining,  and  pearly ;  cross  fracture,  uneven  or  splinte- 
ry ;  transparent  on  the  edges ;  soft ;  brittle  :  &p.  gr. 
3.7. 

Chem.  Char.  Infusible ;  effervesces  with  acids. 

'       Comp.    Carbonate  of  strontian  63.6  ;  sulphate  of  barytes  27.5  ; 
carbonate  of  lime  2.6  ;  oxide  of  iron  0.1. —  Traill. 
Local.  Stromnes,  in  one  of  the  Orkney  islands. 

Species  3.     SULPHATE  OF  STRONTIAN.     CELESTINE.* 

Strontiane  sulphatee,  H.     Celestine,  Sulphate  of  Strontian,  P.     Sul- 
phate of  Strontian,  C.     Prismatoidal  Hal-Baryte,  M. 

Ext.  Char. — Colors,  white,  greyish  white,  yellowish 
white,  or  reddish,  and  more  rarely  light  blue ;  occurs 
fibrous,  massive,  stellated,  and  crystallized ;  form,  the 
primitive,  a  right  rhombic  prism,  the  alternate  angles 
of  which,  according  to  Phillips,  are  104  deg.  and  76 
deg.  ;  structure  lamellar,  with  joints  parallel  to  the 
faces  of  the  prism,  that  parallel  to  the  base  being  par- 
ticularly distinct ;  lustre  shining,  between  pearly  and 
resinous ;  translucent  or  transparent ;  yields  to  the 
knife  ;  brittle  :  sp,  gr.  3.6. 

Chem.  Char.  Melts  before  the  blowpipe  into  a  white  friable  ena- 
mel, without  very  sensibly  tinging  the  flame  ;  after  a  short  exposure 

*  Sky  blue,  from  its  color. 


128  SULPHATE  OF  STRONTIAN. 

to  heat,  it  becomes  opake,  and  then  acquires  a  somewhat  caustic, 
acrid  flavor,  very  different  from  that  of  sulphuretted  hydrogen,  which 
heavy-spar  acquires  in  similar  circumstances.  —  Aiken.  Phosphores- 
ces on  hot  iron. 

Comp.  Strontian  58  ;  sulphuric  acid  42.  —  Klaprotli. 

Dist.  Char.  It  resembles  the  carbonates  of  strontian  and  barytes, 
and  the  sulphate  of  barytes.  But  the  distinctive  characters  given  un- 
der each  of  those  species,  will  distinguish  this,  from  them. 

Obs.  Werner  divided  this  species  in  the  fibrous  and  foliated. 
Jameson  says,  it  may  be  divided  into  compact,  fibrous,  radiated, 
and  foliated  ;  but  besides  the  crystallized,  he  has  described  only  the 
fibrous  and  foliated  varieties,  with  distinctness. 

Far.  1.     FIBROUS  CELESTINE. 

Strontiane  sulfatee   fibreuse,  H.     Fibrous   Celestine,   J.     Fibrous 
Sulphate  of  Strontian,  C. 

Ext.  Char.  —  Colors,  milk  white,  passing  into  blue,  or 
sky  blue  ;  occurs  massive,  in  plates  and  in  fibrous  crys- 
tals ;  lustre  of  the  longitudinal  fracture,  shining  ;  cross 
fracture  glistening  and  pearly  ;  fracture  in  one  direc- 
tion foliated  ;  translucent  ;  loses  its  color  in  keeping  ; 
easily  broken  :  sp.  gr.  3.8. 

This  variety  is  rare.  It  sometimes  occurs  in  thin  beds  or  layers 
like  gypsum,  its  fibres  being  perpendicular  to  the  sides  of  the  bed.  — 
Cleveland. 

Local.  Montmatre,  near  Paris,  Switzerland,  Sicily,  and  in  several 
places  in  England  and  Scotland. 

U.  S.  Frankstown,  in  the  Bald  Eagle  mountain,  Penrt. 


2.       FOLIATED  CELESTINE. 

Foliated  Celestine,  J.  Foliated  Sulphate  of  Strontian,  C. 
Ext.  Char.  —  Colors,  white,  grey,  bluish,  or  sky  blue  ; 
occurs  massive,  and  crystallized,  in  four  or  six-sided 
prisms,  variously  modified  ;  sometimes  the  four-sided 
prism  is  terminated  by  four-sided  pyramids  ;  and  some- 
times the  termination  is  dihedral  ;  often  this  form  is 
deeply  truncated  on  its  lateral  edges,  so  as  to  produce 
a  six-sided  prism,  crystals  often  flat  or  tabular  ;  frac- 
ture imperfectly  foliated  ;  strongly  translucent;  crys- 
tals sometimes  transparent. 


SULPHATE  OF  STRONTIAN.  129 


Fig.  26.  A  four-sided  prism,  terminated  by  a  two-sided  summit, 
standing  no  the  obtuse  lateral  angle  of  the  prism. 

Fig.  27.  A  four-sided  tabular  prism,  terminated  by  a  four-sided 
summit,  standing  on  the  obtuse  lateral  edge  of  the  crystal,  and  partly 
on  its  broad  plane. 

Local.  Bristol  and  Yorkshire,  England.  Edingburg,  the  Tyrol,  and 
near  Cadiz.  Sicily  presents  fine  crystals. 

U.  S.  Lockport,  (SilUman,)  and  Moss  Island,  N  Y.  The  latter 
discovered  by  Prof.  Douglass.  Near  Baltimore,  Md. — Cleveland. 
Presque  Isle,  on  the  3Vf aumee  river,  Ohio. — SilUman.  Grose  Island, 
in  Lake  Huron,  Mich. — Cleveland.  Magnificent  crystals  have  been 
brought  from  Strontian  Island,  in  Lake  Erie. — Mohs, 


17 


CLASS  III. 
ACIDIFEROUS  ALKALINE  MINERALS. 


This  Class  includes  such  minerals  as  consist  chiefly  of  an  alkali,  unit- 
ed  with  an  acid.  Some  of  the  species  contain  foreign  matter,  ren- 
dering them  very  impure.  This  division  includes  but  a  few  arti~ 
cks.'*  ^ 

Genus  1.— POTASEt. 

This  Genus  contains  only  one  species. 

/  Species  1.     NITRATE  OF  POTASH.     NITRE. 
Potasse  nitratee,  H.     Nitrate  of  Potash,  P.  C.     Prismatic  Nitre,  J. 
Prismatic  Nitre-Salt,  M. 

The  well  known  salt,  nitre,  or  saltpetre,  often  occurs  native,  in 
greater  or  less  quantities.  It  is  found  in  capillary  crystals,  and  crusts, 
of  a  saline  cooling  taste  ;  transparent  or  translucent  ;  deflagrates 
when  thrown  on  burning  charcoal,  and  dissolves  in  water. 

It  is  particularly  found  on  old  walls,  and  in  the  earth,  and  decayed 
substances  of  ancient  buildings.  It  is  also  found  in  some  calcareous 
countries,  and  in  ancient  situations,  once  inhabited,  but  now  lying 
waste. 

Local.  Several  plains  in  Spain  ;  on  the  chalk  formations  in  some 
parts  of  France,  in  the  Grottos  of  Mount  Harnberg,  in  Germany.  In 
Hungary,  Arabia,  Italy,  Persia,  and  other  countries. 

In  'many  of  these  countries,  nitre  is  extracted  from  the  earth  in 
particular  places  by  lixiviation,  and  after  being  purified  and  crystal- 
lized, is  fitted  for  commerce. 

U.  8.  Rackoon  Mountain,  Geo.  abundant  in  a  cavern,  the  earth 
of  which  contains  from  3  to  lOlbs  of  salts  to  the  bushel.  It  is  partly 
nitrate  of  lime,  which  is  decomposed  by  wood  ashes. — Cornelius. 
Madison  County,  Ken.  in  a  cave  646  yards  long,  and  about  40  feet 
broad.  The  earth  contains  both  nitrate  of  potash,  and  nitrate  of 
lime.  It  is  lixiviated,  and  the  nitrate  of  lime  decomposed  by  wood 
ashes.  Kentucky  furnishes  large  quantities  of  nitre,  from  this  and 
other  localities. — Cleveland.  In  some  parts  of  the  state  of  Kentucky, 
it  is  said  that  masses  of  native  nitre  are  found  weighing  several 
pounds. 

Nitre  is  also  obtained  from  earth  found  in  sheltered  places,  in  sev- 
.eral  parts  of  Ohio. — Atwater. 


CARBONATE  OP  SODA.  J31 

Uses.  Its  principal  employment  is  in  the  manufacture  of  gun  pow- 
der, and  the  nitric  acid.  It  is  also  used  in  the  curing  of  meat ;  for 
the  purpose  of  obtaining  oxygen  for  chemical  experiments,  for  medi- 
cinal purposes,  for  fluxes,  &c. 

Genus  2.— SODA. 

Soda  is  found  combined  with  carbonic,  sulphuric,  nitric,  boracic, 
and  muriaticjjacids,  forming  sulphate,  carbonate,  nitrate,  borate,  and 
muriate  of  soda. 

Species  I.     CARBONATE  OF  SODA. 

Soude  Carbonatee,  H.  Prismatic  Natron,  J.  Carbonate  of  Soda,  P.  C. 
Hemi-Prismatic  Natron-Salt,  M. 

Ext.  Char. — Colors,  greyish,  or  yellowish  white ;  oc- 
curs crystallized,  massive,  fibrous,  encrusting,  and  ef- 
florescent ;  the  massive  is  compact  or  granular ;  the 
fibrous,  often  radiated  ;  lustre  glistening  5  translucent ; 
taste,  urinous  and  saline. 

Chem.  Char.  It  effervesces  with  acids,  and  when  dissolved  in  mu- 
riatic acid,  forms  common  salt ;  in  sulphuric  acid,  forms  glauber's 
salt. 

Comp.  (When  pure,)  soda  22  ;  carbonic  acid  15  ;  water  62. 

Obs.  It  is  always  impure  in  the  natural  state,  being  mixed  with 
various  portions  of  muriate,  and  sulphate  of  soda,  or  muriate  of  lime. 

This  salt  is  found  in  many  parts  of  the  world  in  crusts,  on  certain 
decomposing  rocks,  in  lakes,  on  the  surface  of  the  soil,  or  in  the  wa- 
ters of  certain  springs. 

Local.  Bohemia,  dissolved  in  the  hot  springs  of  Carlsbad.  Egypt, 
in  the  Natron  Lakes.  These  are  six  in  number,  situated  in  a  barren 
valley  westward  of  the  Delta.  The  edges  of  these  lakes  in  the  hot 
and  dry  season,  are  surrounded  by  a  band  of  white  salt,  several  yards 
in  breadth  It  consists  chiefly  of  natron,  but  is  mixed  with  common 
salt.  Hungary  contains  several  lakes,  which  in  winter  are  full  of 
water,  but  in  summer  when  the  water  evaporates,  saline  efflores- 
cences appear,  consisting:  of  natron  with  a  little  glauber's  salt,  and 
epsom  salt.  One  crop  being  gathered,  another  appears  in  a  few 
days,  and  this  harvest  continues  until  fall.  Africa,  between  Tripoli 
and  Fezzan,  contains  large  quantities  of  the  radiated  variety,  called 
trona.  It  lies  in  a  thin  stratum,  in  a  bed  of  common  salt.  From 
this  place  it  is  said  hundreds  of  tons  are  annually  collected. 

Uses.  It  is  principally  employed  in  the  manufacture  of  soap  and 
glass  It  is  also  used  in  the  Levant  to  give  a  sharper  taste,  to  smok- 
ing tobacco,  by  mixing  a  little  with  it.  The  ancient  Egyptians  are 
said  to  have  made  use  of  natron,  in  preparing  the  bodies  of  their  dead 
for  mummies. 


132  SULPHATE,  NITRATE,  AND  BORATE  OF  SODA. 

Species  2.     SULPHATE  OF  SODA .    GLAUBER  SALT. 

Soude  sulfatee,  P.     Prismatic  Glauber-Salt,  J.     Sulphate  of  Soda, 
Glauber's  Salt,  P.  C. 

Ext.  Char. — Colors,  greyish,  or  yellowish  white  ; 
occurs  in  efflorescences  and  in  an  earthy  form,  but  is 
more  commonly  dissolved  in  certain  mineral  waters. 
When  water  containing  it,  is  evaporated,  it  yields  pris- 
matic crystals  with  dihedral  summits ;  when  exposed 
to  the  air,  they  soon  effloresce,  or  lose  their  water  of 
crystallization,  and  fall  into  a  white  powder.  It  rarely 
if  ever  is  found  in  native  crystals ;  taste,  saline  and 
nauseously  bitter. 

Comp.  (When  pure.)  Soda  15  ;  sulphuric  acid  27  ;  water  58. 

It  is  found  in  many  mineral  waters,  generally  with  other  salts,  as 
epsom  and  common  salt,  and  perhaps,  is  the  result  of  the  mutual  de- 
composition of  these  two  salts. 

Local  It  is  found  in  the  lakes  of  Austria,  Lower  Hungary,  Sibe- 
ria, and  Russia  Near  Madrid,  it  is  said  to  occur  in  efflorescences 
at  the  bottom  of  a  ravine.  Indeed,  small  quantities  of  it  are  found  in 
most  countries. 

The  glauber's  salt,  generally  used  in  medicine,  is  prepared  from 
bittern,  the  liquor  which  remains  after  the  extraction  of  common  salt 
from  sea-water. 

Species  3.     NITRATE  OF  SODA. 

Soude  Nitratee,  H.     Nitrate  of  Soda,  P.  M. 

This  salt  is  described  by  Mariano  de  Rivero,  in  the  Ann.  des 
Mines  for  1821,  p.  596,  as  occurring  in  immense  quantity  in  the  dis- 
trict of  Tarapaca,  in  Peru,  near  the  frontiers  of  Chili,  and  three  day's 
journey  from  La  Conception.  It  there  forms  a  bed  many  feet  thick, 
which  in  many  places  appears  on  the  surface,  and  occupies  an  ex- 
tent of  more  than  forty  leagues.  The  salt  appears  occasionally  as  an 
efflorescence,  sometimes  crystallized,  but  more  often  mixed  with  clay 
or  sand  ;  to  the  taste  it  is  cool  and  bitter  ;  it  is  deliquescent,  and 
when  exposed  to  heat,  it  behaves  like  nitrate  of  potash  ;  it  contains 
a  little  sulphate  of  soda.  Very  large  quantities  of  this  salt  purified 
by  solution  and  crystallization,  have  already  been  imported  into  Eu- 
rope . — Phillips. 

Species  4.     BORATE  OF  SODA.     BORAX. 

Soude  Boratee,  H.   Prismatic  Borax,  J.     Borate  of  Soda,  P.  C.  Pris- 
matic Borax-Salt,  M.     Tincal. 

Ext.  Char. — Color,  white,  sometimes  with  a  tinge  of 


MURIATE  OF  SODA.  133 

blue  or  green  ;  occurs  in  prismatic  crystals,  variously 
terminated,  and  yielding  to  cleavage  parallel  to  the 
sides  of  the  primitive  form,  which  is  an  oblique  rhom- 
bic prism ;  translucent  or  transparent ;  sometimes 
opake. 

Chem.  Char.  Intumesces  largely,  gives  somewhat  of  a  crackling 
noise,  and  fuses  into  a  transparent  globule,  which  is  unalterable  by 
the  heat  of  the  blowpipe. 

Comp.  Soda  17  ;  boracic  acid  36  ;  water  47. — Berzelius. 

This  salt  is  supposed  to  have  been  known  to  the  ancients,  and  to 
be  the- substance  called  crysocolla,  by  Pliny.  It  is  brought  from  the 
East  Indies,  in  an  impure  state,  and  in  commerce  is  denominated  tin- 
cal.  After  being  purified,  which  is  done  by  the  Dutch  arid  British,  it  is 
called  borax. — Thompson. 

Tincal  is  brought  chiefly,  if  not  only,  from  Thibet,  where  it  is  pro- 
cured from  a  lake  which  is  entirely  supplied  by  springs.  The  edges 
and  shallows  of  the  lake  are  covered  with  a  stratum  of  borax,  which 
is  dug  up  in  considerable  masses,  and  the  holes  thus  made,  are  gra- 
dually filled  by  a  fresh  deposition. — Phillips. 

It  is  said  also  to  be  met  with  in  Ceylon,  and  in  considerable  quan- 
tity in  Potosi. — Mohs. 

'Uses.  Borax  is  made  use  of  as  a  flux,  and  is  especially  useful  in 
testing  mineralogical  specimens,  and  particularly  ores.  It  enters 
into  the  composition  of  artificial  gems,  and  is  used  in  soldering,  and 
in  medicine. 

Obs.  The  purification  of  tincal  is  an  art  confined  to  a  few  chem- 
ists, and  the  process  is  kept  a  secret. 

SpecciesS.  MURIATE  OF  SODA.     COMMON  SALT. 

Soude  Muriatee,  H.     Hexahedral   Rock-Salt,  J.     Muriate  of 
Soda,  P.  C. 

Pure  rock  salt  is  so  universally  known  as  to  require  no  description, 
Its  primitive  form  is  a  cube,  and  into  this  it  may  readily  be  cleaved  ; 
structure  lamellar ;  translucent,  or  transparent. 

Chem.  Char.  It  decrepitates  violently,  but,  between  two  pieces  of 
charcoal,  may  be  fused ;  when  it  tinges  the  flame  yellow,  diffuses  it- 
self over  the  surface  of  the  charcoal,  and  sinks  into  its  substance. 
Heat  does  not  increase  its  solubility  in  water. 

Comp.  Soda  53.44  ;  muriatic  acid  46.55. — Berzelius. 

Obs.  In  its  impure  state,  as  it  is  commonly  raised  from  the  mine, 
rock  salt  is  in  large  and  solid  masses  of  a  crystalline  structure,  and  of 
a  reddish  or  bluish  color  ;  translucent,  presenting  impurities  to  the 
eye  in  spots,  or  veins. 

It  is  almost  always  associated  with  gypsum,  which  either  lies  above, 
or  below  it,  or  both,  or  is  intermixed  with  it.  Sometimes  the  gyp- 
sum is  so  impregnated  with  the  salt,  as  to  be  worth  working  on  that 
account. 


134  MURIATE  OF  SODA. 

Common  salt  is  one  of  the  most  abundant  productions  of  nature 
Besides  the  immense  beds  of  it,  which  are  known  to  exist  in  different 
parts  of  the  world,  together  with  inland  springs,  which  contain  it  in 
large  quantities,  the  ocean  contains  about  a  thirtieth  part  by  weight, 
of  common  salt,  and  may  be  considered  its  greatest  repository. 

Local  Spain,  contains  vast  quantities  of  rock  salt  In  Spanish 
Navarre,  between  Caparosa,  and  the  river  Ebro,  is  a  hill  of  consider- 
able elevation,  and  about  four  hundred  paces  long,  by  eighty  wide, 
composed  of  rock  salt,  with  interposing  layers  of  gypsum. — Bowles. 

But  a  much  more  remarkable  deposit  of  the  same  kind  exists  at 
Cordova,  sixteen  miles  from  Barcelona  in  Spain.  This  is  a  moun- 
tain of  massive  rock  salt,  about  four  or  five  hundred  feet  high,  and  a 
league  in  circumference.  It  is  without  chasms,  crevices,  or"  layers. 
The  color  of  this  salt  is  white,  sometimes  red  or  blue. — Bowles. 

Obs.  1.  Ulloa,  mentions  the  vast  depositesof  rock  salt  which  ex- 
ist in  Peru,  and  says  the  mountains  ol  salt  are  equally  as  high  as 
those  which  yield  silex  and  mercury.  These  mines  of  salt  forma 
part  of  the  grand  chain  of  the  Andes,  and  are  situated  ten  or  twelve 
thousand  feet  above  the  level  of  the  sea. 

2.  In  Siberia,  there  is  said  to  be  a  mountain  of  rock  salt,  one  hun- 
dred and  eighty  feet  high,  and  one  hundred  and  twenty  feet  in  length. 
— Pinkerton. 

3.  Poland  and  Hungary  afford  immense  quantities  of  common 
salt.     The  celebrated  mines  near  Cracow,  have  been  wrought  since 
1251.     One  of  the  shafts  of  this  mine  is  more  than  a  thousand  feet 
deep. 

In  descending  to  the  bottom,  says  Shaw,  the  visitor  with  surprise, 
finds  a  subterraneous  commonwealth  of  families,  who  have  their  pe- 
culiar laws  and  polity  They  have  public  roads,  horses  and  carriages. 
These  horses  when  once  immured  in  this  destination,  never  more 
see  the  light  of  day,  and  many  of  the  people  are  buried  alive  in  this 
abyss,  having  been  born  there,  without  ever  having  made  a  journey 
to  the  surface  of  the  earth.  This  subterraneous  community  have 
several  chapels  hewn  out  of  the  rock  salt,  and  many  crucifixes  and 
images  of  saints,  before  which  lights  are  constantly  burning. 

4.  Germany,  Italy,  Russia,  Sweden,  Norway,  and   almost  every 
other  country  possess  either  mines  of  salt,  or  springs  from  which  it  is 
produced  by  evaporation. 

5.  England  yearly  exports  great   quantities  of  salt.     From  the 
springs  in  Worcestershire,  16,000  tons  are  annually  produced  ;  and 
156,000  tons  of  rock  salt  are  annually  raised  from  the  great  deposit, 
near  Norwich,  in  Cheshire. 

U.  S.  The  United  States  are  well  supplied  with  the  means  of  man- 
ufacturing this  indispensible  article.  Salt  springs  are  numerous, 
and  most  of  them  situated  far  inland,  thus  preventing  the  necessity  in 
many  instances,  of  transporting  so  heavy  an  article  to  any  great  dis- 
tance by  land. 

Salt  springs  exist  in  Arkansas,  Missouri,  in  several  places  at  the 
head  waters  of  the  Ohio,  in  Virginia,  Kentucky,  Illinois,  Neio-York, 


SULPHATE  OF  AMMONIA.  1  35 

Near  Shawneetown,  Illinois,  is  a  spring  which  yields  annually 
150,000  bushels  of  salt.  It  sells  at  70  cts.  per  bushel. — Schookraft. 

Near  the  Muskingum,  in  Ohio,  is  a  salt  spring,  which  furnishes 
80  bushels  of  salt  daily. — Atwater. 

The  state  of  New-  York  furnishes  more  than  500,000  bushels  of 
salt  yearly. — Gibbs. 

The  whole  quantity  of  salt  annually  extracted  from  saline  springs 
in  the  United  States,  was  several  years  ago  estimated  at  one  million 
of  bushels. — Cleveland. 


Genus  3.— AMMONIA. 

Ammonia,  or  Volatile  Alkali,  when  pure,  exists  only  in  a  gaseous 
form.  It  is  composed  of  about  98.24  nitrogen,  and  1.76  hydrogen. 
Sir  Humphrey  Davy,  from  his  experiments,  was  led  to  suppose  that 
its  base  was  a  metal,  but  this  requires  further  proof. 

It  is  found  combined  with  the  sulphuric  and  muriatic  acids,  forming 
sulphate,  and  muriate  of  ammonia. 

Species  1.     SULPHATE  OF  AMMONIA. 
Ammonique  sulfatee,  H.     Sulphate  of  Ammonia,  J.  C.  P. 
Ext.  Char. — Color,  greyish  or  yellowish ;  occurs  in 
stalactities  and  crusts ;  externally  it  is  usually  covered 
with  a  whitish  dust  ;  taste  acrid  and  bitter. 

Comp.  Ammonia  40 ;  sulphuric  acid  42  ;  water  18. — Phillips. 
Local.  Sienna,  in  Tuscany,  surrounding  certain  small  Jakes  ;  also 
in  the  lavas  of  Etna  and  Vesuvius. 

Species  2.     MURIATE  OF  AMMONIA. 

Ammonique  muriatee,  H.     Octohedral  Sal  Ammoniac,  J.     Muriate 
of  Ammonia,  C.  P.     Octohedral  Ammoniac-Salt,  M. 

Ext.  Char. — Colors,  greyish  white,  white,  yellow, 
green,  and  brownish  black;  occurs  massive,  with  a 
fibrous  structure,  plumose,  in  crusts,  and  in  angular 
crystals,  of  which  the  cube  is  the  primary  form  ;  taste, 
pungent  and  saline  ;  externally,  dull ;  internally,  shin- 
ing and  vitreous. 

Comp.  (That  of  Vesuvius,)  muriate  of  ammonia  99.5;  muriate  of 
soda  0.5. — Klaproth. 

Obs.  1.  The  crystals  are  small,  and  intersect  each  other. 

2.  Jameson,  from  Estner,  enumerates  the  following  forms,  be- 
sides the  cube  under  which  it  appears.  Complete  rhomboid.  Rec- 
tangular four-sided  prism,  accuminated  by  four  planes.  Garnet  do- 
decahedron, sometimes  truncated  on  all  the  edges. 


136  MURIATE  OF  AMMONIA. 

3.  When  rubbed  with  quicklime,  it  emits  the  odor  of  ammonia. 

It  is  the  product  of  volcanoes,  or  of  art. 

Local  Etna,  Solfatera,  Vesuvius,  Lipari,  Hecla,  and  other  volca- 
nic countries. 

The  sal  ammoniac  of  commerce,  was  formerly  brought  from  Egypt, 
but  is  now  prepared  in  large  quantities  in  several  parts  of  Europe, 
and  particularly  at  Paris.  Different  processes  are  employed  in  its 
manufacture.  At  Paris,  two  separate  kilns  are  constructed,  into  one 
of  which  are  put  a  mixture  of  common  salt  and  sulphuric  acid,  and 
into  the  other  animal  matters,  as  parings  of  hides,  horns,  hoofs,  &c. 
On  the  application  of  heat,  muriatic  acid  gas,  is  extricated  from  one 
kiln,  and  ammonia  from  the  other.  These  two  gases  are  conveyed 
in  pipes  to  a  chamber  lined  with  lead,  where  they  combine  and  form 
muriate,  of  ammonia.  In  England,  a  process  somewhat  different  is 
employed. 


.;: 


CLASS  IV. 

ACIDIFEROUS  ALKALINO-EARTHY 
MINERALS. 

The,  minerals  arranged  under  this  Class,  contain  an  alkali  and  an 
earth,  acidified  by  the  sulphuric,  or  fluoric  acids,  forming  salts  of 
different  characters.  The  species  art  few  in  number,  and  some  of 
them  but  little  known. 

Species  1.— SULPHATE  OF  ALUMINE  AND  POTASH. 

Alumine  sulfatee  alkaline,  H.     Octahedral  Alum,  J.     Alum,  P.   Oc- 
tahedral Alum-Salt,  M. 

Ext.  Char. — Colors,  white,  yellowish,  or  greyish 
white  ;  occurs  in  efflorescences  on  argillaceous  mine- 
rals, chiefly  on  alum  slate,  or  alum  stone  ;  also  in  crusts 
and  stalactites,  or  massive,  with  a  fibrous  texture  ; 
taste,  sweetish  and  astringent. 

Comp.  Alumine  15-25  ;  oxide  of  iron  7.50  ;  potash  0.25  ;  sulphuric 
acid  and  water  77. — Klaproth. 

(Artificial  Alum.)  Alumine  10.50  ;  potash  10.40  ;  sulphuric  acid 
30.52  ;  water  48.58. —  Vauquelin. 

Obs.  Native  alum  is  found  in  \olcanic  countries,  but  more  com- 
monly on  alum  slate,  where  it  is  formed  by  the  combination  of  the 
alumine,  potash,  and  sulphuric  acid,  which  the  stone  contains. 

Local.  Scotland,  in  the  coal  mines  near  Paisley.  Bohemia,  in 
many  places  on  alum  slate.  In  the  vicinity  of  volcanoes,  as  Strom- 
boli,  Solfatera,  Vesuvius,  &/c. 

U.  S.  Catskill  Mountain,  and  twelve  miles  from  Cattskill,  N.  Y. 
Navesink  Hills,  N.  J.  Several  places  in  Ohio.  Pownal,  Vt.  Ley- 
den,  Mass.  Bolton,  Conn. 

Mode  of  making  Alum. — Ferber  says,  that  the  rocks  which  yield 
the  Roman  alum,  are  situated  at  Tolfa,  in  Italy.  In  color,  they  are 
white,  or  whitish  grey.  They  are  considerably  elevated,  and  full  of 
large  excavations  made  by  the  workmen,  who  descend  by  ropes,  and 
procure  the  kind  proper  for  use,  by  blasting. 

Having  raised  the  alum  stone  to  the  surface  of  the  earth,  it  is  first 
calcined  in  a  wood  fire,  and  then,  while  hot,  thrown  into  reservoirs  of 
water,  where  it  remains  until  the  alum  is  extracted  by  the  water. 

18 


J  38         ALUM-STONE.    ALKALINE  PLUATE  OF  LIME. 

The  liquor  is  then  drawn  off  and  boiled  in  brass  pans,  until  it  is  in  a 
proper  state  for  the  alum  to  crystallize,  when  it  is  removed  into 
wooden  coolers,  and  allowed  to  shoot  into  crystals.  While  boiling, 
a  quantity  of  lime  is  mixed  with  the  lixivium. 

Obs.  The  alum  rock  contains  sulphate  of  iron,  alumine,  and  pot- 
ash. The  calcination  converts  the  sulphnr  to  sulphuric  acid,  which 
uniting  to  the  alumine  and  potash,  forms  sulphate  of  alumine  and  pot- 
ash, or  alum.  When  the  rock  contains  no  alkali,  a  little  is  added, 
and  for  this  purpose,  wood  ashes  is  commonly  used. 

At  Cape  Sable,  Md.  is  a  manufactory  of  alum.  The  ore  consists 
of  earthy  lignite,  mixed  with  pyrites.  This  is  piled  in  heaps  and  suf- 
fered to  remain  in  that  state  for  about  a  year,  when  the  sulphur  is  acid- 
ified by  the  action  of  the  atmosphere.  It  is  then  lixiviated,  and  the 
liquor  concentrated  by  boiling,  when  crystals  of  alum  are  formed. — 
Cleveland's  Mineralogy. 

Species  2.     ALUM-STONE. 

Lave  alteree  alunifere,  H.    Rhomboidal  Alum-stone,  J.    Alum-stone, 
P.  C;     Rhombohedral  Alum-Haloide,  M. 

Ext.  Char. — Colors,  greyish  white,  brownish,  or  red- 
dish ;  occurs  massive  and  crystallized  ;  form  the  obtuse 
rhomboid,  variously  modified  by  truncation,  one  or 
more  of  the  solid  angles  being  commonly  replaced  ; 
crystals  very  minute,  and  generally  found  in  the  cavi- 
ties of  the  massive ;  massive,  translucent ;  yields  to 
the  knife  ;  fracture  conchoidal,  splintery,  or  sometimes 
earthy  :  sp.  gr.  from  2.42  to  2.77. 

Chem.  Char.  Decrepitates,  emits  a  sulphureous  gas,  and  afterwards 
absorbs  moisture  from  the  tongue,  and  gives  the  taste  of  alum  ;  inso- 
luble in  water. 

Comp.  Alumine  43.92  ;  silex  24  ;  sulphuric  acid  25  ;  potash  3.08; 
water  4. —  Vauquelin. 

Obs.  Prof.  Mohs  says,  that  on  charcoal,  by  itself,  it  does  not  melt, 
but  is  fusible  with  borax  into  a  colorless  glass,  and  that  when  reduced 
to  powder,  it  is  soluble  in  sulphuric  acid. 

Local.  Tolfa,  near  Rome  ;  also  in  Tuscany,  and  Hungary,  and  in 
the  vicinity  of  several  burning  mountains.  According  to  Cordier,  as 
quoted  by  Phillips,  it  exists  in  almost  all  burning  mountains. 

Uses.  It  is  used  in  the  manufacture  of  alum,  and  the  superior  qual- 
ity of  that  produced  at  Tolfa,  is  ascribed  to  the  employment  of  this 
mineral. — Mohs. 

Species  3.     ALKALINE  FLUATE  OF  LIME. 

Alumine  fluatee  alkaline,  H.     Pyramidal  Cryolite.     Cryolite,  P. 

Fluate  of  Soda  and  Alumine,  C.  Prismatic  Crayone-Haloide,  M. 

Ext.  Char. — Colors,  white,  greyish  white,  or  brown- 


AMBLYGONITE.      ANHYDROUS  SULPHATE  OF  LIME.       1 39 

ish ;  occurs  massive  ;  structure  perfectly  lamellar, 
with  joints  parallel  to  all  the  planes  of  a  rectangular 
prism  ;  translucent ;  becomes  transparent  by  immer- 
sion in  water  ;  not  so  hard  as  fluor :  sp.  gr.  2.94. 

Chem.  Char.  Fuses  into  a  transparent  globule,  which  becomes 
opake  on  cooling. 

Comp.  Alumine  21  ;  soda  32  ;  fluoric  acid  and  water  47. —  Van- 
quelin. 

Local.  West  Greenland,  in  two  small  layers  in  gneiss,  one  of  which 
contains  the  white  variety,  and  the  other  those  that  are  colored. 

Species  4.     AMBLYGONITE. 

Amblygonite,  J.  C.  P.  M. 

Ext.  Char. — Colors,  greenish  white,  or  sea  green  ; 
occurs  in  rhombic  prisms,  which  are  rough  external- 
ly ;  cleavage  parallel  to  the  sides  of  the  prism ;  lustre 
brilliant;  transparent,  or  translucent  when  in  thin  la- 
minae ;  hardness  equal  to  feldspar ;  sp.  gr.  3.00. 

Chem.  Char.  Easily  fusible,  with  intumescence  into  a  white  ena- 
mel. 

Comp.  Alumine,  lithia,  phosphoric,  and  fluoric  acids. 

Berzelius  considers  it  as  a  double  sub-phosphate  of  aluminc  and 
lithia,  containing  fluoric  acid. 

Local.  Near  Penig,  in  Saxony,  where  it  occurs  in  granite  along 
with  tourmaline  and  topaz. 

Species  5.  ANHYDROUS  SULPHATE  OF  SODA  AND  LIME: 
Glauberite,  11.  Glauberite,  J.  P.  C.  Prismatic  Brithyne-Spar,  M. 
Ext.  Char. — Color,  yellowish  or  greyish  white  ;  oc- 
curs massive,  and  in  the  form  of  flat  rhombic  prisms  ; 
lateral  planes  striated  transversly  ;  the  terminal  ones 
smooth;  structure  foliated;  lustre  vitreous;  streak 
white ;  semi-transparent  ;  yields  to  the  knife  :  sp.  gr. 
2.7. 

Chem.  Char.  Fusible  with  decrepitation,  into  a  white  enamel.  If 
thrown  into  water  it  becomes  opake,  and  is  partly  dissolved.  The 
same  happens  if  exposed  to  a  moist  atmosphere. 

Comp.  Sulphate  of  soda  51.0  ;  sulphate  of  lime  49.0. — Brongniart 
Local.  Near  Ocana,  in  New  Castle,  also  in  Upper  Austria. 

Species  6.     POLYHALLITE.*— Stromeycr. 

Polyhallite,  P.  C.  M. 
Ext.  Char. — Color,   brick  red   or  colorless  ;  occurs 

*  From  the  Greek,  signifying  a  stone  of  many  salts. 


140  POLYHALITE. 

in  amorphous  masses,  partly  compact  and  partly 
fibrous ;  fibres,  parallel  or  curved  ;  transparent  or 
translucent  ;  the  compact  yields  to  cleavage  parallel 
to  all  the  planes  of  the  cube  ;  brittle  ;  scratches  cal- 
careous spar ;  sp.  gr  about  2.77. 

Chem.  Char.  In  the  flame  of  a  candle  becomes  an  opake  mass  of  a 
brownish  color  ;  melts  instantly  before  the  blowpipe. 

Comp.  Sulphate  of  lime  28.25  ;  anhydrous  sulphate  of  lime  28.42  ; 
anhydrous  sulphate  of  magnesia  20.03  ;  sulphate  of  potash  27.70  ; 
muriate  of  soda  0. 19  ;  red  oxide  of  iron  0.34. — Stromeyer. 

Local  Ischel,  in  Upper  Austria  ;  also  at  Vic,  in  Lorraine ;  in  both 
places  among  rock  salt. 


CLASS  V. 
ALKALINO-EARTHY  MINERALS. 

The  Minerals  belonging  to  this  Class,  consist  of  Earths  in  various 
proportions ;  including  generally,  in  their  composition,  one  or  more 
of  the  alkalies.  Many  of  them  also  contain  small  quantities  of  the 
oxides  of  one  or  more  metals,  as  iron,  or  manganese,  from  which  they 
derive  their  colors ;  but  these  are  not  considered  essential  ingredints. 

Species  1.  MICA.* 

Mica,  H.K.  A.  P.  C.    Glimmer,  W.     Rhomboidal  Mica,  J.     Rhom- 
bohedral  Talc-Mica,  M. 

Ext.  Char. — Colors,  white,  green,  brown,  black,  red, 
yellowish,  and  bluish;  occurs  crystallized,  massive,  and 
disseminated ;  form,  six-sided  tables,  and  oblique 
rhombic  prisms ;  structure  perfectly  foliated ;  lustre 
glittering,  or  somewhat  metallic ;  translucent ;  the 
white  variety  in  thin  pieces,  transparent ;  easily  sepa- 
rable into  thin  plates,  which  are  flexible  and  elastic  to 
a  high  degree  ;  yields  easily  to  the  knife  ;  sp.  gr.  about 
2.7. 

Chem.  Char.  Fusible  into  an  enamel  of  different  colors,  depending 
on  that  of  the  mica. 

Comp.  (From  Siberia.)  Silex  48 ;  alumine  34.25  ;  potash  8.75  ; 
oxide  of  iron  4.5  ;  of  manganese  0.5  ;  water  1.25. — Klaproth. 

Obs.  There  is  much  difference  in  the  composition  of  the  several 
colored  varieties. 

Dist.  Char.  Talc,  which  it  most  resembles,  is  unctuous  to  the 
touch,  and  inelastic.  Foliated  gypsum,  which  it  also  resembles,  is  in- 
elastic, and  in  the  heat  of  a  candle,  instantly  turns  white  and  opake. 
Cyanite  is  harder,  inelastic,  and  infusible. 

Var.  1.  Plumose  Mica. — The  most  common  color  is  greyish  white, 
but  it  may  assume  any  of  the  colors  of  the  species.  It  occurs  in  fine 
delicate  crystals,  diverging  from  a  central  line,  so  as  to  imitate  the 
feathers  of  a  quill,  or  plume,  whence  the  name. 


*  Vulgarly  called  isinglass,    Its  name  comes  from  the  Latin  micot  to  shine, 
or  glitter. 


142  LEUCITE. 


.  2.       LAMINATED  MICA. 

Mica  foliace,  H.     Laminated  Mica,  C.     Muscovy  Glass. 
It  occurs  in  large  plates,  which,  according  to  Hauy. 
are  sometimes  found  in  Russia  a  yard  in  extent.     It  is 
easily  separated  into  thin  shining  laminae. 

Mica,  although  it  does  not  form  beds  alone,  is  a  very  abundant  min- 
eral, being  universally  distributed  among  primitive  rocks,  and  form- 
ing an  essential  ingredient  in  granite,  gneiss,  and  mica  slate. 

Hence  its  localities  are  in  every  primitive  country,  and  only  a  few 
where  fine  specimens  occur,  will  be  mentioned. 

Local.  U.  S.  Germantown,  Penn.  in  six-sided  tables  and  prisms.  — 
Wister.  In  the  Highlands,  at  Muno  iron  works,  N.  Y.  in  black  six- 
sided  tables,  six  inches  in  diameter.  —  Pierce.  Wood  bury,  Conn,  vi- 
olet colored  ;  also  at  Watertown,  occurs  the  plumose  variety,  and 
near  Hartford,  in  small  crystalline  masses  resembling  the  garnet. 
Bellows  Falls,  Ver.  rose  colored.  —  SiUiman.  Brunswick,  Maine,  of 
a  beautiful  green.  —  Cleveland. 

Uses.  It  was  formerly  employed  for  the  windows  of  houses  instead 
of  glass,  and  until  lately,  was  used  in  the  Russian  ships  of  war,  it  be- 
ing not  so  liable  as  glass  to  be  broken,  by  the  discharge  of  cannon. 
At  the  present  time,  it  is  used  instead  of  horn  or  glass,  in  lanterns, 
and  for  enclosing  objects  for  the  microscope. 

Lowry  says,  that  in  Siberia,  mica  is  quarried,  and  employed  for  the 
purposes  to  which  glass  is  applied  in  Europe. 

Species*.    LEUCITE.* 

Amphigene,  H.     Dodecahedral  Zeolite  or  Leucite,  J.    Leucite,  A. 
P.  C.     Trapezoidal  Kouphone-Spar,  M. 

Ext.  Char.  —  Colors,  greyish  white,  white,  and  red- 
dish white  ;  occurs  in  small  angular  masses,  apparent- 
ly rounded  by  attrition  ;  also  in  crystals,  whose  sides 
are  bounded  by  twenty-four  equal  and  similar  trape- 
ziums ;  crystals  sometimes  elongated  ;  angles  often 
rounded  ;  transparent,  passing  into  opake  ;  lustre, 
shining  vitreous;  structure  obscurely  lamellar;  scratch- 
es glass  with  difficulty  :  sp.  gr.  2.47. 

Chem.  Char.  Infusible  alone  ;  with  borax,  slowly  dissolves  into  a 
diaphinous  glass. 

Comp.  Silex  53.75;  alumine  24.62  ;  potash  21.  35.—Klaproth. 

It  is  found  in  the  products  of  volcanoes,  which  circumstance  will 
serve  to  distinguish  it  from  the  minerals  it  most  resembles. 

Local.  Italy  and  Bohemia,  in  basalt  arid  lava.  The  road  from 
Rome  to  Frascati,  is  said  in  many  places  to  be  covered  with  it. 


Signifying  a  white  stone.. 


ANDALUCITE.  BUCHOLZITE.  ICHTHYOPHTHALMITE.   143 

Species  3.     ANDALUCITE.* 

Feldspath  apyre,  H.     Prismatic  Andalusite,   J.   M.     Andalusitc, 

A.  P.  C. 

Ext.  Char. — Color,  reddish,  or  purplish  red  ;  occurs 
massive  and  in  rectangular,  or  slightly  rhombic  prisms ; 
structure  lamellar,  with  joints  parallel  to  the  sides  of  a 
rhombic  prism  ;  translucent  or  opake ;  easily  frangi- 
ble ;  sp.  gr.  about  3 ;  scratches  quartz,  and  sometimes 
spinelle. 

Chem.  Char.  Infusible  alone,  with  borax,  melts  into  a  limpid 
glass. 

Comp.  Alumine  52;  silex  38  ;  potash  8  ;  oxide  of  iron  2. — Vau- 
quelin. 

Dist.  Char.  It  is  -distinguished  from  felspar,  by  its  greater  hard- 
ness and  higher  specific  gravity,  and  from  corundum  by  its  inferior 
specific  gravity  and  its  form. — Jameson. 

It  is  found  in  primitive  rocks  only. 

Local.  Andalusia,  in  Spain.  Forez,  in  France,  in  a  vein  of  fel- 
spar. Near  Freyberg,  and  at  Penig,  in  Saxony.  Wicklow  and  Kil- 
kenny, in  Ireland. 

U.  S.  Readfield,  in  Maine. — Cleveland.     East  Bradford,  Penn. 

Species  4.     BUCHOLZITE.t 
Bucholzite,  Brandes.     Bucholzite,  P.  C. 
Ext.  Char. — Colors,  black,   and  white,  arranged  in 
spots  ;  occurs  amorphous  ;  lustre  glittering,  and  glassy, 
or  sometimes  waxy ;    the  black   part  separates  into 
fibres  ;  cross  fracture  conchoidal ;  structure  indistinct- 
ly   lamellar ;    fragments    wedge-shaped ;    opake    or 
translucent  on  the  edges ;  scratches  glass. 

Comp.  Alumine  50  ;  silex  40  ;  potash  1.5  ;  oxide  of  iron  2.5. — 
Brandes. 

Local  The  Tyrol.     First  noticed  by  Dr.  Brandes. 
U.  S.  Brandywine  Creek,  Del—Nuttall 

Species  5.     ICHTHYOPHTHALMITE.f 

Apophyllite,  H.  J.  P.  C.     Ichthyophthalmite,  A.     Axtomatous  Kou- 
phone-Spar,  M. 

Ext.  Char. — Colors,  white,  greyish  white,  greenish, 
or  rose  red  ;  occurs  in  square  prismatic  crystals,  and 
in  laminated  masses  ;  crystals  often  truncated  on  the 
solid  angles,  by  triangular  planes,  so  as  to  give  them  a 

*  From  Andalusia,  in  Spain,  where  it  was  first  found. 

t  After  Bucholz,  the  chemist. 
t  From  the  Greek,  meaning  fish-eye-stone,  owing  to  its  peculiar  Instre, 


144  NACRITE.      HAUYNE. 

four-sided  pyramidal  termination  ;  lustre  glistening 
and  pearly  ;  structure  foliated  and  easily  separable 
into  thin  shining  plates,  like  those  of  selenite ;  brittle  ; 
translucent,  or  nearly  transparent :  sp.  gr  about  2.5. 

Chem.  Char.  Exfoliates,  and  finally  melts  into  a  blebby  glass.  In 
nitric  acid,  divides  into  flakes. 

Comp.  Silex  51  ;  lime  28  ;  potash  4  ;  water  17. — Vauqwlin. 

Dist.  Char.  It  resembles  adularia,  sulphate  of  strontian,  and  ba- 
rytes.  It  is  much  softer  than  the  first,  and  does  not  like  barytes  give 
a  fetid  taste  when  melted,  nor  like  strontian,  a  sour  one.  Neither  of 
these  substances  form  flakes  in  nitric  acid. 

Local.  Utoe,  in  Sweden,  in  a  lamellar  limestone.  Arendal,  in 
Norway.  East  Gothland.  Fassa,  in  the  Tyrol,  and  in  the  isle  of 
Sky. 

U.  S.  Near  Lake  Champlain,  N.  Y. — Cleveland,  Near  Saybrook, 
Conn.-—  Gibbs.. 

Var.  1.     ALBIN.* 

Albin,  W.  P.  C. 

Ext.  Char. — Color,  opake  white ;  occurs  in  crystal- 
line and  laminated  masses ;  forms  a  jelly  with  nitric 
acid  ;  found  in  Bohemia. 

Species  6.    NACRITE.t 

Talc  granuleux,  H.  Nacrite.  Bt.  J.  Scaly  Talc,  P. 
Ext.  Char. — Colors,  pearl  white,  greenish,  or  grey ; 
occurs  in  minute  aggregated  scales ;  lustre  pearly ; 
friable  ;  unctuous  to  the  touch  ;  adheres  to  the  fingers  ; 
gives  out  an  argillaceous  odor  when  breathed  on ; 
swells  on  being  moistened. 

Chem.  Char.  Swells,  and  melts  with  ease. 

Comp.  Silex  50  ;  alumine  26  ;  lime  1.5  ;  potash  17.5  ;  oxide  of 
iron  5  ;  and  a  trace  of  muriatic  acid.~trauquelin. 

Dist.  Char.  Lepidolite,  which  it  resembles,  is  of  a  lilac  color,  and 
not  so  unctuous.  It  is  more  easily  fused  than  talc,  and  never  is  of  so 
dark  a  color  as  chlorite. 

Obs.  It  is  met  with  in  small  masses  in  the  cavities  of  primitive 
rocks,  and  particularly  in  quartz. 

Local.  Near  Freyberg,  in  Saxony.  At  Piedmou,  and  in  Bohe- 
mia. 

U.  S.  Farmington,  Conn.     Smithfield,  R.  I. 

Species  7.     HAUYNE.f 
Haiiyne,  J.  A.  P.  C.     Latialite,  H. 
Ext.  Char. — Colors,  indigo  blue,  and  opake,  or  blue, 

*  From  the  Latin  albus,  white, 
f  From  the  French,  nacre,  pearl. 
%  In  honor  of  the  celebrated  Hauv- 


OBSIDIAN.  145 

or  bluish  green,  and  translucent ;  occurs  in  grains,  in- 
crystals,  arid  massive ;  form  the  dodecahedron,  with 
brilliant  faces  ;  harder  than  quartz;  very  brittle  ;  struc- 
ture imperfectly  foliated  ;  lustre  vitreous  :  sp.  gr.  3. 

Ckem.  Char.  Fusible  with  loss  of  color,  into  a  porous  glass  ;  with 
borax  into  a  diaphanous  glass,  which  turns  yellow  on  cooling.  In 
powder,  it  forms  a  jelly  with  acids. 

Comp.  Silex  30  ;  alumine  15  ;  sulphate  of  lirne  20.5 ;  lime  5  ; 
potash  11  ;  oxide  of  iron  1  ;  water  17.5. — Phillips. 

L)cal.  In  the  vicinity  of  Nemi,  Albano,  and  Frascati,  in  [taly,  as- 
sociated with  mica,  leucite,  and  augite.  Also  near  Vesuvius,  and  Ti- 
ree,  one  of  the  Scottish  Isles,  in  limestone. 

Species  8.     OBSIDIAN. 

Lave  Vitreuse  Obsidienne,  H      Indivisible  Quartz,  J,     Obsidian,  W. 
P.  C.     Empyrodox  Quartz,  M. 

Ext  Char. — Colors,  black,  greyish,  or  brownish 
black  ;  also,  greenish,  bluish,  or  yellow :  occurs  in 
roundish,  or  angular  masses;  fracture  large  conchoidal, 
with  round  circular  lines,  increasing  in  dimensions 
from  the  point  of  fracture  ;  lustre  splendent  and  vitre- 
ous ;  translucent  on  the  edges,  or  opake ;  scratches 
glass  ;  easily  broken,  and  flies  like  glass :  sp.  gr.  about 
2.35. 

Chem.  Char.  Swells,  and  finally  melts  into  a  spongy  mass.  It  does 
not  melt  into  a  solid  glass  even  at  a  white  heat. 

Comp.  (That  of  Hecla.)  Silex  78;  alumine  10;  potash  6 ;  lime 
1  ;  oxide  of  iron  and  manganese  3.6. —  Vauquelin. 

Obs.  1.  Obsidian  in  its  aspect,  fracture,  and  lustre,  very  much  re- 
sembles colored  glass,  as  the  thick  part  of  a  broken  junk  bottle.  It 
also  may  resemble  pitchstone. 

2.  Sometimes   it   is  variegated,   presenting  several  colors  in  the 
same  specimen,  and  some  pieces  exhibit  a  play  of  colors,   with   a 
pearly  lustre. 

3.  The  origin  of  obsidian  has  been  a  subject  of  considerable  doubt 
and  dispute  among  mineralogists.     Some  supposed  from  the  circum- 
stance of  its  being  commonly  found  in  the  vicinity  of  volcanoes    that 
it  is  of  igneous  origin,  and  that,  indeed  it  is  only  a  mixture  of  sili- 
ceous and  alkaline  substances  reduced  to  glassjay  volcanic  fire,  hence 
it  is  often  called  volcanii  glass. 

4.  On  the  contrary,  obsidian  has  occasionally  been  found  with  the 
remains  of  decomposed  granite,  gneiss,  and  porphyry,   and  even  al- 
ternating with  beds  of  the  latter.    Other  mineralogists,  therefore  sup- 
pose that  it  is  of  aqueous  origin. — See  Pinkerton's  Petrology. 

5.  But  it  is  said,  that  wherever  obsidian  has  been  found,  there  al- 
ways exists  marks  of  volcanic  agency  in  the  neighborhood  ;  so  that 
on  the  whole,  there  is  little  doubt  but  this  substance  owes  its  origin 
to  volcanic  heat. 

19 


146  GIESECKITE.      FELSPAR. 

Local.  Hecla,  and  in  almost  every  part  of  Iceland.  Also  in  the 
Lipari  Islands,  in  Teneriffe,  Peru,  Mexico,  &c. 

Var.  1.       PEARLSTONE.* 

Lave  Vitreuse  Perlee,  H.  Pearlstone,  A.  P.  C. 
Ext.  Char. — Colors,  grey,  greyish  black,  brownish, 
reddish,  or  yellowish ;  occurs  in  large,  coarse,  angular 
concretions,  consisting  of  grains  or  smaller  concretions 
composed  of  lamellae ;  concretions  often  embrace  a 
neucleus  of  obsidian ;  surface  smooth  and  shining  ; 
lustre  pearly ;  translucent  on  the  edges,  or  opake; 
scratches  glass  ;  very  fragile  ;  gives  an  argillaceous 
odor,  when  breathed  on  :  sp.  gr.  2.34. 

Chem.  Char.  Fusible  with  intumescence  into  a  white  frothy  glass. 

Comp.  Silex  75.25;  alumine  12  ;  lime  0.5  ;  potash  4.5  ;  oxide  of 
iron  1.6  ;  water  4.5. — Klaproth. 

Obs.  Pearlstone  occurs  in  the  same  geological  situations  with  obsi- 
dian, and  the  same  arguments  and  objections  are  brought  for,  and 
against  its  igneous  and  aqueous  origin. 

Local.  Tokay,  in  Hungary,  where  it  is  found  enclosing  black 
masses  of  obsidian.  Cape  de  Gatt,  in  Spain.  Antrim,  in  Ireland, 
&c. 

Species  9.  GIESECKITE.— Stromeyer. 
Ext.  Char. — Colors,  externally  brownish,  internally 
greenish,  intermixed  with  black  ;  occurs  in  six-sided 
prisms  ;  fracture  uneven,  splintery ;  cleavage  not  per- 
ceptible ;  lustre  waxy ;  has  the  appearance  of  soap- 
stone,  more  than  of  a  crystalline  mineral ;  opake  or 
translucent  on  the  edges  ;  yields  to  the  knife;  streak 
whitish ;  scratches  glass  :  sp.  gr.  2.7  to  2.9. 

Comp.  Silex  46.27 ;  alumine  33.82;  magnesia  1.2;  potash  6.2  : 
oxide  of  iron  3.35  ;  water  4.8. — Stromeyer. 

Local  Greenland,  from  whence  it  was  brought  by  Sir  C.  Giesecke. 
Hence  the  name. 

Species  10.     FELSPAR.f 

Feldspath,  H.     Prismatic  Feld-Spar,  J.  M.     Felspar,  A.  P.  C. 

Few  minerals  are  more  widely  diffused  than  this.  It  forms  a  ne- 
cessary part  of  most  primitive  and  many  secondary  rocks.  Its  colors 
are  various,  but  it  has  a  peculiar  lustre,  and  a  foliated  structure,  by 
which  it  is  easy  to  distinguish  it  from  other  minerals. 

ft  has  several  varieties  which  all  agree  in  respect  to  structure  and 
peculiarity  nf  lustre. 

*  From  its  pearly  lustre, 
-t  From  the  German,  signifying  field-spar,  from  its  being  often  found  loose  in  field*. 


FELSPAR. 


147 


Var.  1.     COMMON  FELSPAR. 
Common  Felspar,  K.  J.  A.  P.  C. 

Ext.  Char. — Colors,  white,  yellowish,  grey,  brown, 
bluish,  red,  and  green ;  occurs  massive,  disseminated, 
and  crystallized ;  form,  an  oblique  prism,  the  sides  of 
which  are  unequal,  and  vary  from  four  to  ten  in  num- 
ber ;  primitive  form,  the  oblique  parallelepiped  ;  com- 
mon forms,  a  broad  six-sided  prism,  terminated  by 
dihedral  summits,  the  planes  of  which  stand  on  the 
narrow  faces  of  the  prism ;  an  oblique  four-sided 
prism,  flatly  bevelled  on  the  extremities ;  a  six-sided 
prism,  terminated  by  five  unequal  faces ;  structure 
foliated ;  cleavage  in  two  directions ;  lustre  shining, 
and  often  pearly  ;  translucent ;  the  dark  varieties 
nearly  opake ;  cross  fracture  conchoidal ;  fragments 
rhomboidal;  crystals  generally  indistinct,  and  closely 
aggregated,  crossing  each  other,  or  forming  hemi- 
tropes  ;  scratches  glass :  sp.  gr.  2.54. 


Fig.  1.  An  oblique  parallelepiped,  the  primitive  form. 

Fig.  2.  A  short  six-sided  prism,  truncated  on  four  of  its  lateral 
edges,  forming  a  ten-sided  crystal  with  alternate  broad  and  narrow 
faces,  and  terminated  by  four  unequal  planes. 

Chem.  Char.  Fusible  into  a  white  translucent  enamel. 

Comp.  Silex  62.83  ;  alumine  17  ;  potash  13  ;  lime  3  ;  oxide  of 
iron  1. — Vauquelin. 

Remark.  There  is  considerable  difference  in  composition,  of  the 
different  varieties  of  this  species,  and  particularly  in  respect  to  the 
quantity  of  alumine,  and  potash  which  they  contain. 

Obs.  1.  This  variety  is  very  generally  diffused,  and  perhaps  is 
more  common  than  any  other  mineral,  with  the  exception  of  quartz, 
the  ores  of  iron,  and  carbonate  of  lime. 

2.  It  forms  a  constituent  part  of  gneiss,  granite,  and  mica-slate, 
among  primitive  rocks  ;  and  of  greenstone,  and  most  volcanic  sub- 
stances, among  those  of  secondary  formations.     It  also  occurs  in  por- 
phyry and  sienite. 

3.  Felspar,  according  to  Pinkerton,  intermixed  with  small  quanti- 
ties of  other  minerals,  forms  entire  mountains  in  several  parts  of  the 
globe. 


]48  FELSPAR. 

4.  Felspar  with  garnets,  forms  a  mountain  in  the  west  of  Scotland. 
In  Siberia,  the  common  foliated  felspar,  forms  entire  mountains.  In 
the  north  of  Scotland,  there  are  mountains,  and  large  strata  of  the 
same  mineral. 

Var.  2.       ADULARIA.       MOON-STONE. 

Felspath  Adulaire,  Bt.     Felspath  Nacre,  H.     Adularia,  J.  A.  P.  C. 

Ext.  Char. — Colors,  white,  bluish  white,  sometimes 
with  tints  of  green,  yellow  or  red  ;  occurs  in  rolled  mass- 
es, in  crystals  of  the  forms  above  described,  and  dissem- 
inated in  granite  ;  lustre  pearly,  and  especially  when 
cut  and  polished,  it  throws  out  greenish  and  bluish 
white  chatoyant  reflections  from  ihe  interior  ;  fracture 
Uneven  ;  cleavage  in  two  directions  ;  crystals  often 
present  the  hemitrope  arrangement,  which  in  polished 
specimens  becomes  obvious  from  the  different  direc- 
tions of  the  grain,  or  laminse:  sp.  gr.  2.54. 

Chern.  Char.  Fusible  into  a  transparent  glass. 

Comp.  Silex  64  ;  alumine  20  ;  lime  2  ;  potash  14. —  Vauquelin. 

Dist.  Char.  From  common  felspar  into  which  it  passes,  it  differs 
in  being  more  translucent,  and  in  displaying  strong  pearly  reflections. 
Cat's-eye  is  harder,  and  has  not  its  foliated  structure  ;  it  is  harder 
than  ichthyophthalmite,  strontian  or  barytes,  the  two  last  also  possess 
peculiar  chemical  properties.  Spodumene  splits,  and  flies  when 
heated. 

Adularia  is  found  in-  cavities  of  granite,  gneiss,  clay-slate,  and 
limestone. 

Local.  St.  Gothard  yields  the  finest  specimens,  sometimes  a  foot  in 
thickness.  Beautiful  specimens  also  come  from  Ceylon. 

U.  S.  Ticonderoga,  N.  Y.  of  a  milk  white  color,  also  on  the  margin 
of  Lake  Champlain,  at  a  place  called  Split-rock. — Hall  Near  Bal- 
timore, Md. — Gilmor.  Germantown  and  Conestoga  creek,  Penn. 
Haddam,  Conn.  Near  the  city  of  New  York.  Southampton,  Oak- 
ham,  and  West  Springfield,  Mass. 

Obs.  1.  According  to  Jameson,  the  water  opal,  and  the  fine  opal  of 
the  Italians,  as  well  as  the  sun-stone,  which  is  distinguished  by  its 
red  color  and  beautiful  silvery  reflections,  are  varieties  of  adularia. 

Uses.  Adularia  is  sometimes  polished  for  jewelry.  It  is  common- 
ly cut  with  a  convex  surface  like  the  cat's-eye,  but  is  easily  distin- 
guished from  it,  by  observing  that  the  reflections  proceed  from  par- 
ticular points  on  a  plane  surface,  whereas  in  the  cat's-eye,  the 
pearly  light  is  obvious  in  every  direction. 

Var.  3.     GLASSY  FELSPAR. 
Glassy  Felspar,  J.  A.  P.  C. 
Char. — Colors,  greyish,  or  yellowish  white ;  oc- 


FELSPAR.  149 

curs  commonly  in  broad  four-sided  crystals,  terminat- 
ed by  two  planes  ;  lustre  vitreous,  or  glassy  ;  crystals 
cracked  in  various  directions  ;  transparent  or  translu- 
cent. 

Local.  Solfatera,  Bohemia,  and  Hungary,  in  pumice.  Isle  of  Ar- 
ran,  in  Scotland,  in  pitchstone. 

Vtir.  4.       LABRADOR  OPAL. 

Feldspath  Opalin,  H.     Labrador  Felspar,  A.    P.     Opalescent  Fels- 
par, C, 

Ext.  Char. — Colors,  smoke  grey,  with  spots  of  opales- 
cent, or  irridescent,  variable  tints,  consisting  of  blue, 
fire  red,  green,  brown,  yellow,  or  orange,  according  to 
the  direction  in  which  the  light  falls  upon  it  ;  some- 
times several  of  these  colors  are  perceptible  at  the 
same  instant,  but  more  commonly  they  appear  in  suc- 
cession, as  the  stone  is  turned  towards  the  light;  oc- 
curs massive  ;  structure  like  that  of  common  felspar, 
and  easily  recognised  as  one  of  that  family. 

Obs  1.  This  most  beautiful  variety  was  discovered  by  the  Mora- 
vian Missionaries,  on  the  Island  of  St.  Paul,  situated  on  the  coast  of 
Labrador. 

2.  Dr.  Anderson,  who  gave  an  account  of  this  mineral  soon  after 
its  discovery,  describes  it  as  displaying  all  the  variegated  tints  of  co- 
lor that  are  to  be  seen  in  the  plumage  of  the  peacock,  pigeon,  or  most 
delicate  humming-bird. 

3.  Specimens  of  it  being  sent  to  England,  they  were  bought  with 
great  avidity,  and  the  desire  among  the  collectors,  all  over  Europe,  to 
possess  specimens  was  so  great,  that  single  pieces  were  sold  at  c£20 
sterling. 

Local.  Near  Petersburg,  Russia.  Near  Laurwig,  in  Norway.  Bo- 
hemia, Saxony,  and  Labrador. 

U.  S.  Near  Lake  Champlain,  N.  Y.  in  an  iron  mine. — Gibbs. 
Near  Pompton  Hills,  N.  J.  in  a  large  rounded  mass. 

Remark    That  of  Labrador  often  contains  magnetic  oxide  of  iron. 

Uses.  It  is  highly  valued  as  a  curiosity,  and  is  cut  and  polished 
for  ring  stones,  and  breast-pins.  When  cut  in  an  oblong  convex 
shape,  or  en  cabochon,  as  the  French  term  it,  most  of  the  colors  are 
apparent  at  the  same  instant.  When  held  between  the  eye  and  the 
light,  it  appears  of  a  c'ingy  grey  color,  and  without  the  least  beauty, 
and  one  is  the  more  astonished  after  viewing  it  in  this  manner,  to 
witness  the  beautiful  display  of  colors  which  it  exhibits  by  the  re- 
flected light. 

Var.  5.       GREEN  FELSPAR. 

Ext.  Char. — Color,  apple  green  ;  occurs  in  the  com- 
mon form  of  the  species.  It  is  called  Amazon  Stone. 


150  FELSPAR. 

Local.  Uralian  Mountains. 

U.  S.  Near  Baltimore,  Md.  in  granite.  At  Cow  Bay,  on  Long 
Island,  N.  Y.  color  apple  geen. — Pierce  and  Torrcy.  Topsham, 
Maine,  in  imperfect  crystals. — Cleveland. 

Var.  6.     COMPACT  FELSPAR. 

Feldspath  Compacte,  H.  Compact  Felspar,  A.  C.  P. 
Ext.  Char. — Color,  white,  bluish  white,  greenish,  red- 
dish, brown  and  flesh  red,  colors  sometimes  arranged 
in  spots  or  stripes ;  occurs  massive,  disseminated,  and 
in  crystals ;  texture  compact,  or  minutely  foliated ;  frac- 
ture conchoidal;  lustre  glimmering;  translucent  on 
the  edges  ;  sp.  gr.  from  2.60  to  2.74. 

Chem.  Char.  Fusible  alone  into  a  white  porous  enamel. 

Comp.  Silex51  ;  alumine  30  ;  lime  11.25  ;  soda  4  ;  oxide  of  iron 
1.75  ;  water  1.26. — Klaproth. 

It  is  one  of  the  constituent  parts  of  primitive,  transition  ,?and  secon- 
dary rocks.  It  sometimes  occurs  in  large  beds,  or  even  forms  hills. 

Local.  Saxony,  Tyrol,  Scotland,  &c. 

U.  S  In  the  Fishkill  Mountains,  N.  Y.  in  gneiss.  Maiden,  Dor- 
chester, and  Milton,  Mass.  Colors,  sometimes  red  and  white,  arran- 
ged in  veins. 

O6s.  1.  This  variety  resembles  hornstone,  and  sometimes  jasper. 

2.  According  to  M.  Godon,  as  quoted  by  Cleveland,  the  vicinity  of 
Boston  furnishes  compact  felspar  perfectly  analagous  to  the  Turkey 
stone,  (hone) ;  and  also  a  veined  variety,  which  strongly  resembles 
certain  antique  engraved  stones  wrought  by  the  Greeks  and  Romans 
in  basso-relievo. 

Var.  7.       FETID  FELSPAR. 

Fetid  Felspar,  C.     Necronite.*— /%rfew.  Sill.  Jour.  Sci.  Vol.  2. 

Ext.  Char. — Color,  clear  white,  or  bluish  white;  oc- 
curs amorphous,  and  crystallized  in  hexahedral  prisms, 
resembling  the  beryl,  and  in  rhomboids  similar  to 
the  form  of  felspar;  structure  lamellar ;  transparent, 
passing  into  opake  ;  scratches  glass,  and  even  felspar 
in  a  slight  degree ;  when  struck,  or  pounded  emits  a 
most  noisome  cadaverous  smell. 

Chem.  Char.  Infusible,  and  unalterable  even  with  borax  in  the 
strongest  heat  of  a  smith's  furnace.  Acids  do  not  effect  it,  either 
cold  or  hot. 

Local.  This  mineral  appears  to  have  been  first  described  by  Dr. 
Hayden,  of  Baltimore,  who  discovered  it  in  1819,  about  21  miles 
from  that  city.  It  occurs  in  primitive  marble,  associated  with  brown 
mica,  sulphuret  of  iron,  and  tremolite. 


*  From  the  Greek,  in  allusion  to  its  cadaverous  smell. 


TALC.  151 

War.  10.     ANORTHITE. — Rose. 

Anorthite,  M. 

Ext.  Char.— Color,  and  streak,  white ;  occurs  massive, 
composed  of  rhomboidal  prismatic,  aggregated  crystals, 
resembling  those  of  albite ;  cleavage  perfect  in  two  di- 
rections ;  fracture  conchoidal ;  lustre  upon  the  planes 
of  cleavage,  pearly;  in  other  directions  vitreous ;  trans- 
lucent or  transparent ;  hardness,  that  of  felspar :  sp. 
gr.  2.<55  to  2.76. 

Chem.  Char.  Fusible  like  the  other  varieties  of  the  species,  the 
globule  being  turbid. 

Comp.  Silex  44.49  ;  alumine  34.46 ;  oxide  of  iron  0.74  ;  lime 
15.68  ;  magnesia  5.26. — Rose. 

Dist.  Char.  It  is  entirely  decomposed  by  concentrated  muriatic 
acid. 

Local.  Mount  Vesuvius,  lining  the  cavities  of  limestone,  and  asso- 
ciated with  augite. 

O65.  This  mineral  has  recently  been  discovered. 

Species  11.     TALC. 

Talc,  Bt.  A.  P.  C.  Rhomboidal  Mica,  J.  Prismatic  Talc-Mica,  M, 
Ext.  Char. — Colors  green  of  various  shades,  as  emer- 
ald, or  apple  green,  or  greenish  white ;  occurs  massive, 
consisting  of  thin  folia  easily  separable  with  the  fin- 
gers, also  indurated  and  in  crystals  ;  lustre  shining  ; 
translucent ;  in  thin  plates  transparent ;  soft  and  very 
unctuous  to  the  touch ;  yields  easily  to  the  nail ;  folia 
curved,  undulated,  or  straight;  lustre  shining,  pearly  ; 
color  of  the  thin  lamina  white. 

Chem.  Char,  Before  the  blowpipe  it  turns  white,  the  laminae  sep- 
arate, and  the  thin  fibres  become  glazed.  With  borax  it  melts  with 
effervescence  into  a  greenish  transparent  glass,' 

Comp.  Silex  61 ;  magnesia  30.5  ;  potash  2.75  ;  oxide  of  iron  2.5; 
water  t).5. — Klaproth. 

Dist  Char.  It  resembles  mica,  but  this  is  both  flexible  and  elastic, 
while  talc  is  elastic  but  not  flexible.  Chlorite  and  nacrite  are  fusible 
without  difficulty.  Its  unctuosity  will  also  distinguish  it  from  these 
substances,  and  from  selenite,  and  cyanite. 

It  occurs  in  primitive  rocks,  as  granite  and  serpentine,  and  though 
common  in  small  quantities,  is  never  very  abundant. 

Local.  U.  S.  Grafton,  Windham,  Cavendish,  Ludlow,  &c.  Ver. — 
Hall  Smithfield,  silvery  white,  with  rhomb  spar. — Webb.  Near 
Baltimore,  Md.  fibrous,  ligniform,  and  foliated. — Hayden.  Delaware 
County,  Penn.  sometimes  crystallized  ;  also  on  the  Schuylkill,  ten 
miles  from  Philadelphia,  of  a  fine  green  color  with  rhomb  spar. — 
Lea.  Haddam  and  Litchfield,  Conn.  Southampton,  Cumniington, 


152  STEATITE.      SOAPSTONE. 

and  Middlefield,  Mass.     Brunswick,  Maine,  in  limestone  with  acti- 
nolite  ;  colors,  silver  white,  and  apple  green. — Cleveland. 

Var.   1.       INDURATED  TALC. 

Indurated  Talc,  J.  A.  P.  C. 

Ext.  Char. — Color,  greenish  grey  ;  occurs  massive  ; 
texture  compact ;  structure  slaty  ;  lustre  a  little  pearly ; 
less  soft  and  unctuous  than  common  talc ;  translucent 
on  the  edges  ;  insensibly  passes  into  stealite.  It  is 
found  in  primitive  mountains,  in  clay-slate  and  serpen- 
tine. 

Local.  Austria,  the  Tyrol,  Switzerland,  Scotland,  &c. 

Dist.  Char.  It  has  a  strong  resemblance  to  potstone,  but  is  more 
unctuous,  and  less  hard. 

Uses.  This  variety  is  employed  by  Tailor's,  to  trace  out  their  work 
on  woolen  cloth. 

Species  12.     STEATITE.     SOAPSTONE. 

Talc  Steatite,  H.     Steatite,  J.  A.  M.  P.     Common  Steatite,  C. 

Ext.  Char. — Colors,  various  shades  of  green,  grey, 
white,  yellow,  and  red,  and  always  dull ;  grey  and 
white  are  the  most  common ;  colors  commonly  arrang- 
ed in  spots,  veins,  or  clouds  ;  occurs  massive,  forming 
large  beds,  or  hills  ;  fracture  splintery,  or  uneven,  with 
marks  of  confused  crystallization  on  close  inspection ; 
yields  easily  to  the  knife,  and  may  be  cut  when  first 
taken  from  the  quarry ;  unctuous  to  the  touch  ;  trans- 
lucent on  the  edges ;  leaves  a  shining  streak  ;  sp.  gr. 
about  2.50. 

Chem.  Char.  Hardens,  turns  black,  but  is  hardly  fusible. 

Comp.  Silex  64  ;  magnesia  22  ;  oxide  of  iron  3  ;  water  5. —  Vau- 
quelin.* 

Obs.  Soapstone  sometimes  presents  pseudo-morphous  crystals,  in 
the  form  of  carbonate  of  lime  or  quartz,  which  appear  to  have  been 
moulded  into  cavities  once  occupied  by  true  crystals. 

Dist.  Char.  It  is  less  unctuous  to  the  touch  than  indurated  talc, 
into  which  it  passes.  Jameson  observes,  that  the  white  variety  ap- 
proaches to  lithomarge,  and  the  green  to  fuller's  earth,  but  both  of 
these  are  softer  and  adhere  to  the  tongue.  Serpentine  is  harder  than 
steatite,  and  not  so  unctuous. 

Steatite  occurs  in  masses,  and  in  beds  of  considerable  extent,  in 
primitive  mountains.  Sometimes  according  to  Pinkerton,  it  forms 
mountains  or  hills  of  considerable  dimensions. 

Local.  Cornwall,  in  England.  Bohemia,  Scotland,  Spain,  He- 
brides, &-C. 

U.  S.  New  Haven,  Litchfield,  and  Somers,  Conn.    At  the  latter 


STEATITE.       6OAPSTONE.  153 

place  it  is  quarried  extensively.  On  the  Schuylkill,  ten  miles  from 
Philadelphia,  Penn.  It  is  extensively  employed.  Staten  Island,  N.  Y. 
in  abundance.  Smithfield,  R.  L  It  is  employed  in  the  arts.  —  Ea- 
ton. Grafton,  Ver.  This  steatite  is  employed  in  the  construction  of 
aqueducts  —  Hall.  Orford,  N.  II.  It  occurs  in  large  quantities,  and 
is  extensively  employed.  —  Hall.  Near  the  Falls  of  St.  Anthony, 
Louisiana. 

Obs.  1.  According  to  Pinkerton,  the  Arabs  made  use  of  soapstone 
instead  of  soap. 

2.  The  inhabitants  of  New  Caledonia,  it  is  confidently  said,  either 
eat  a  sott  kind  of  soapstone  alone,  or  mix  it  with  their  food 

3.  Humboldt  says,  that  a  certain  race  of  inhabitants  on  the  f  'ro- 
noko,  are  almost  entirely  supported  by  a  kind  of  soapstone,  for  three 
months  in  the  year. 

Uses.  Soapstone  is  extensively  employed  in  the  arts  of  life,  for  va- 
rious purposes.  It  is  soft  and  well  fitted  Tor  turning,  cutting,  or 
sawing.  It  is  bored  for  aqueducts,  and  will  probably  come  into  gen- 
eral use  for  this  purpose,  being  much  cheaper  than  lead,  and  without 
the  least  deleterious  property.  It  resists  the  fire,  and  is  well  calculat- 
ed for  the  backs  of  chimneys,  and  the  sides  of  fire  places,  &c.  Af- 
ter being  heated,  it  wi»l  receive  a  tolerable  polish,  and  might  be  em- 
ployed for  jambs  instead  of  marble. 

Var.  1.     POTSTONE. 
Talc  ollaire,  H.     Potstone,  K.  J.  P.  C. 
Ext.  Char.  —  Colors,  greenish  grey  passing  into  leek 
green,  often  spotted  ;  occurs   massive  ;  texture  com- 
pact; structure    slaty;  unctuous  to  the   touch  ;  often 
yields  to  the  nail  ;  not  easily  broken  ;  lustre  glisten- 
ing ;  opake  ;  fracture  earthy,  or  uneven  ;  odor  argilla- 
ceous 5  sp.  gr.  nearly  3. 

Comp.  Silex  38  ;  magnesia  35  ;  iron  15  ;  alumine  7  ;  with  a  little 
lime  and  fluoric  acid.  —  Weiglib. 

It  is  found  with  serpentine,  argillite,  and  soapstone. 

Local.  Como,  in  Lombardy,  where  it  has  been  quarried  more  or 
less,  ever  since  the  days  of  Pliny,  and  turned  into  culinary  vessels  — 
hence  the  name  potstone. 

Remark.  It  is  often  difficult  to  distinguish  potstone,  from  indurat- 
ed talc  and  soapstone.  It  is,  however,  commonly  less  unctuous  than 
the  former,  and  more  compact  and  finer  grained  than  the  latter. 


2.       AGALMATOLITE. 

Talc  Graphique,  H.     Steatite  Pagodite,  Bt.     Agalmatolite,  P.     Chi- 
nese Figure  Stone. 

Ext.  Char.---  Color,  greenish,  or  yellowish  green  ; 
sometimes  with  veins  of  lilac,  or  brown;  occurs  mas- 
sive ;  greasy  to  the  touch  ;  translucent  ;  texture  com- 

20 


154  CHLORITE. 

pact;  easily  cut  with  the  knife;  receives  a  polish; 
sp.  gr.  2.8. 

Chem,  Char.  Whitens  and  becomes  opake,  but  does  not  melt. 

Comp.  Silex  56  ;  alumine29  :  lime  2  ;  potash  7  ;  oxide  of  iron  1; 
water  5. —  Vauquelin. 

Dist.  Char.  It  resembles  nephrite  in  color,  translucency,  and  tex- 
ture, but  is  much  softer. 

Obs.  It  comes  from  China,  carved  into  the  form  of  grotesque  ima- 
ges, and  chimney  ornaments.  It  is  also  found  in  Nagyag,  in  Tran- 
sylvania, and  in  Wales. 

Species  13.     CHLORITE. 
Talc  Chlorite,  H.     Chlorite,  J.  A.  P.  C. 

Chlorite  occurs  crystallized,  compact,  slaty,  and  earthy.  As  its  name 
signifies,  it  is  always  of  a  green  color,  usually  dark ;  it  is  slightly 
unctuous  to  the  touch,  but  much  less  so  than  talc.  When  moistened 
it  commonly  yields  the  odor  of  clay.  Most  varieties  yield  to  the 
nail. 

Far.   1.       CRYSTALLIZED  CHLORITE. 

Crystallized  Chlorite,  P. 

Ext.  Char. — Color,  dark  leek  green;  occurs  in  flat  six- 
sided  crystals ;  structure  foliated,  and  readily  dividi- 
ble  into  thin  layers  ;  lustre  shining  ;  crystals  occur 
separate  and  intersecting  each  other,  in  small  masses, 
or  investing  other  minerals. 

Chem.  Char.  Fusible  with  difficulty  into  an  ash-grey  scoria.  With 
borax  forms  a  green  glass. 

It  is  found  in  the  veins  and  cavities  of  primitive  rocks,  with  chal- 
cedony, axinite,  felspar,  &LC. 

Var.  2.     COMMON  CHLORITE. 

Chlorite  Compacte,  H.     Common  Chlorite,  J.  A.  C.     Compact  Chlo- 
rite, P. 

Ext.  Char. — Colors,  leek  green,  or  blackish  green  ; 
occurs  massive,  composed  of  minute  scales,  or  of  an 
earthy  texture  ;  lustre  shining,  or  glimmering ;  slightly 
unctuous ;  yields  to  the  nail :  sp.  gr.  from  2.6  to  2.9. 

Chem.   Char.  The  same  as  above. 

Comp.  Silex  26  ;  magnesia  8  ;  alumine  18.5  ;  oxide  of  iron  43  ; 
muriate  of  soda  and  potash  2.0  ;  water  2. — Vauquelin. 

Remark.  There  is  much  difference  in  the  proportions  of  these  in- 
gredients. Lampidius  obtained  only  9.7  oxide  of  iron,  and  Hoepfner 
obtained  magnesia  39.47. 

Dist.  Char.  It  is  of  a  darker  green  than  talc,  or  epidote.  Nacrite 
is  easily  fusible,  and  potstone  is  of  a  more  compact  texture. 


CHLORITE.  155 

Local  St.  Gothard,  England,  Scotland,  Saxony,  &c.  It  is  a  com- 
mon mineral. 

U.  S.  Harper's  Ferry,  Vir.  Chester  County,  Pcnn.  Rye,  N.  Y. 
containing  long  and  slender  crystals  of  schorl.  New  Haven,  Brook- 
field,  and  Saybrook,  Conn,  at  the  latter  place,  in  small  crystals.  — 
Porter.  Charlestown,  Brighton,  Bridgewater,  and  West  Stock- 
bridge,  Mass.  Topsham,  Maine. 

Var.  3.     CHLORITE  SLATE. 
Chlorite  Fissile,  H.     Chlorite  Slate,  A.  P.  C. 
Ext.  Char.  —  Colors,  green,  blackish  green,  or  green- 
ish  grey  ;    structure   slaty,   or  foliated  ;    layers  often 
curved  ;  opake  ;  occurs  massive  ;  appears  on  inspec- 
tion to  be  composed  of  minute  scales  ;  lustre  glisten- 
ing ;  easily  cut  with  a  knife  ;  slightly  unctuous  to  the 
touch. 

Dist.  Char.  From  mica  slate,  it  is  known  by  its  unctuosity  and 
color,  and  from  argillite  and  greenstone  slate,  by  its  softness,  as  well 
as  the  above  named  qualities.  Talc  and  soapstone  are  more  unctu- 
ous to  the  touch  than  chlorite. 

This  variety  is  found  in  beds,  in  primitive  mountains,  and  often 
contains  crystals  of  mica,  magnetic  iron,  garnets,  &c. 

Local.  U.  S.  Williamstown  Mass,  also  at  Westfield,  containing 
crystals  of  mica.  —  Dewey.  Near  New  Haven  and  West  Haven,  Conn, 
the  latter  abounding  with  magnetic  iron.  —  Silliman. 


.  4.    GREEN  EARTH. 

Talc  Zographique,  H.     Green  Earth,  K.  J.  A.  P.  C. 

Ext.  Char.—  Colors,  green  of  various  shades,  some- 
times bluish  or  greyish  green  ;  occurs  in  small  amor- 
phous masses,  or  lining  the  cavities  of  amygdaloid  or 
porphyry  ;  fracture  earthy  ;  yields  to  the  nail  ;  adheres 
to  the  tongue  ;  slightly  unctuous  :  sp.  gr.  ahout  2.5. 

Chem.  Char.  Fusible  into  a  brownish  black  slag. 

Comp.  (From  Verona.)  Silex  53  ;  magnesia  2  ;  potash  10  ;  ox- 
ide of  iron  28  ;  water  6.  —  Klaproth. 

Local.  Bohemia,  forming  beds.  Mount  Pazza,  where  it  occurs  in 
pseudomorphous  crystals,  of  the  form  of  augite.  Near  Verona,  where 
it  has  been  long  explored. 

U.  8.  Near  Imlaytown,  in  Patterson,  N.  J.  On  the  Hudson,  N.  Y. 
Near  Boston,  and  at  Deerfield,  Mass,  in  amygdaloid. 

Uses.  Green  earth  is  used  both  raw  as  a  green  color,  and  burnt 
as  a  reddish  brown  color,  for  painting  houses,  &c.  —  Mohs. 


156  TOURMALINE. 

Species  14.     TOURMALINE. 

Tourmaline,  H.     Rhomboidal  Tourmaline,   J.     Schorl,  C.     Tour- 
maline, A.  P.     Rhombohedral  Tourmaline,  M. 

Ext.  Char.  —  Colors,  green,  blue,  yellow,  black,  and 
white  ;  occurs  in  crystals  and  crystalline  masses  ; 
form,  six.  nine,  or  twelve-sided  prisms,  or  six-sided 
prisms  *o  truncated  as  to  appear  under  six,  nine,  twelve 
or  even  twenty  -four  faces.  The  terminations  are  vari- 
ous. and  commonly  differ  in  the  number  and  size  of 
the  faces  at  the  two  ends  ;  crystals  long,  striated,  and 
complete,  or  aggregated  into  irregular  masses,  their 
terminations  not  being  obvious  ;  translucent  or  opake  ; 
scratches  glass  ;  electric  when  heated  ;  the  end  having 
the  greatest  number  of  faces  being  positive  ;  the  other 
negative  :  sp.  gr.  about  3. 


Y 


Firr.  3  A  nine-sided  prism,  obtusely  terminated  by  five  planes. 
Only  four  of  the  sides  and  two  of  the  planes  are  obvious  in  the  figure. 

Fig.  4.  A  three-sided  prism,  truncated  on  its  lateral  edges  so  as 
to  present  nine  unequal  sides,  and  terminated  by  three  principal  fa- 
ces, to  which  a  fourth  is  added  by  the  truncation  of  one  of  the  solid 
angles. 

Var.    I.       BLACK  TOURMALINE. 

Tourmaline  Noir,  H.     Common  Schorl,  J.  A.  C.     Schorl,  P. 

Ext  Char. — Colors,  velvet  black,  or  brownish  black; 
occurs  massive,  disseminated  and  crystallized,  in  three, 
six,  or  nine-sided  prisms,  variously  bevelled  or  trun- 
cated, and  obtusely  terminated  by  an  uncertain  num- 
ber of  planes;  crystal  striated ;  opake ;  lustre  shining, 
or  nearly  glistening  ;  brittle  :  sp.  gr.  3. 

C'lan.  Char.  Fusible  with  ease  into  a  brownish  slag.  With  bo- 
rax, it  is  singular  that  so  deep  a  colored  mineral,  should  form  a  near- 
ly colorless  and  transparent  glass. 

Comp.  Silex  38  ;  alumine  34  :  magnesia  I  ;  potash  6 ;  oxide  of 
iron  21  ;  manganese,  a  trace. — Klaproth 

Obs.  I.  Schorl  is  a  very  common  mineral,  but  it  never  occurs  in 
such  quantities  as  to  form  the  principal  part  of  rocks.  It  is  dissem- 


TOURMALINE.  157 

inated  in  crystals,  and  in  small  masses,  in  primitive  rocks,  as  granite, 
and  quartz. 

2.  The  crystals,  though  described  as  six,  nine,  or  twelve-sided 
prisms,  are  commonly  triangular,  having  three  principal  sides,  which 
on  inspection  will  be  found  to  contain  several  plane  faces  each. 

3.  Black  tourmaline  is  often  a  very  beautiful  mineral.     The  crys- 
tals are  ot  all  sizes,  from  that  of  a  small  needle,  to  several  inches  in 
diameter.     These  are  often  long,  straight,  and  perfect,  and  when  oc- 
curring in  milk  white  quartz,  produce  a  very  handsome  effect,  by  the 
contrast  of  color. 

Dist.  Char.  Schorl  resembles  hornblende  ;  but  schorl  has  a  vitre- 
ous lustre,  a  corichoidal  or  uneven  fracture,  and  is  electric  by  neat. 
Hornblende  has  a  splintery  fracture,  a  laminated  structure,  is  softer 
than  schorl,  and  is  non-electric. 

Schorl  is  found  chiefly  in  granite  and  quartz,  sometimes  in  gneiss 
and  mica-slate. 

Local.  Schorlaw,  in  Saxony,  where  it  was  first  found,  and  hence 
its  name.  Bohemia,  Bavaria,  Switzerland,  Spain,  Hungary,  &c. 

U.  S.  Grafton  Brattleborough,  and  Stafford,  Ver.  Near  Balti- 
more, Md.  crystals  sometimes  more  than  three  inches  in  circumfer- 
ence —  Gilmor.  Rhinebeck  and  Kingsbridge,  N.  Y.  Haddam  and 
Litchfield,  Conn.  Hailowell,  Litchfield,  Bowdoin,  Maine. 


.  2.       GREEN  TOURMALINE. 

Tourmaline  Verte,  H.     Green  Tourmaline,  C. 

Ext.  Char.  —  Color,  bluish  green,  passing  into  dark 
leek  green  ;  occurs  under  the  forms  above  described  ; 
translucent  or  opake  ;  electric  by  heat. 

Local.  Ceylon,  Brazil,  St.  Gothard,  in  Switzerland,  and  in  Swe- 
den. 

U.  S.  Chesterfield,  Mass,  in  a  vein  of  quartz  and  felspar,  travers- 
ing granite.  The  green  tourmaline  often  encloses  a  prism  of  rose 
colored  rubellite  running  through  its  axis.  The  crystals  of  tourma- 
line are  sometimes  four  inches  long.  The  same  granite  contains  the 
blue  tourmaline  and  emerald.  —  Gibbs.  Also  at  Paris,  in  Maine. 

Var.  3.     YELLOW  TOURMALINE. 
Yellow  Tourmaline,  C. 

Ext.  Char.  —  Color,  honey,  or  orange  yellow  ;  trans- 
lucent or  transparent  ;  other  characters  common  to 
the  species. 

Local.  Ceylon. 

U.  S.  Near  Baltimore,  Md.  in  primitive  limestone.  Chester  Coun- 
ty, Penn.  in  transparent  crystals  with  oxide  of  titanium.  Dai  ton, 
Mass,  color,  straw  yellow,  and  frojn  one  to  two  inches  long. 


1 58  TOURMALINE. 

Var.  4.     INDICOLITE.* 

Tourmaline  Indigo,  H.     Tourmaline  Indicolite,  Bt. 
Ext.  Char. — Color,  indigo  blue,  often  very  dark  ;  oc- 
curs crystallized  in  the  form  of  the  species,  but  com- 
monly less  perfectly. 

Local.  Utoe,  in  Sweden,  of  an  indeterminate  form. 

U.  S.  Harlsem  Heights,  N.  Y.  Goshen  and  Chesterfield,  Mass. 
crystals  often  of  so  deep  a  color  as  to  appear  black.  Bellows  Falls, 
Ver.  in  primitive  rocks.  Hinsdale,  AT.  H.  in  large  crystals. — Silli- 
man. 

Var.  5.  White  Tourmaline. — Local.  This  rare  variety  occurs  at 
St.  Gothard,  Elba,  and  Siberia. 

U.  S.  Paris,  Maine. 

Var.  6.       RUBELLITE.t 

Tourmaline  Apyre,  H.     Tourmaline  Rubellite,  Bt.     Rubellite,  K. 
A.  P.  C.     Red  Tourmaline. 

Ext.  Char. — Colors,  red,  pink,  crimson,  violet,  or  rose 
red  ;  occurs  under  the  same  forms  as  the  species ; 
crystals  not  often  distinct,  being  closely  aggregated 
into  groups,  or  variously  crossing  and  intersecting  each 
other ;  translucent  or  transparent ;  harder  than  the 
other  varieties. 

Chem.  Char.  Splits,  intumesces,  turns  white,  does  not  fuse,  but 
vitrifies  on  the  edges  ;  with  borax  affords  a  transparent  glass. 

Comp.  Silex  42  ;  alumine  40  ;  soda  10 ;  oxide  of  manganese  and 
iron  7. — Vauqudin. 

Dist.  Char.  Its  fine  color  and  its  form  will  distinguish  it,  from  all 
other  minerals. 

Local.  Ceylon,  with  lepidolite.  Moravia,  Uralian  Mountains,  Ava, 
and  Sweden. 

U.  8.  Chesterfield,  Mass,  in  red  crystals,  often  surrounded,  or  em- 
braced, by  crystals  of  green  tourmaline  ;  also  in  Goshen,  Mass,  with 
lepidolite,  or  rose  red  mica.  Kingsbridge,  15  miles  from  the  city  of 
New  York.  Paris,  Maine. 

Obs.  1.  It  is  sometimes  cut  and  polished,  and  worn  as  a  jewel,  but 
is  not  highly  esteemed. 

2.  Fine  specimens  of  rubellite,  on  account  of  their  variety  and 
beauty,  sometimes  sell  at  great  prices.  Thus  Jameson  saw  a  three- 
sided  prism  of  rubellite,  of  an  inch  in  diameter,  at  Dresden,  which 
cost  400  rubles,  and  in  the  collection  of  Mr.  Greville,  which  he  sold 
to  the  British  Government,  there  was  a  specimen  of  the  same  mineral 
valued  at  ,£1000  sterling. 

*  From  its  color,  being  that  of  indigo, 
f  From  its  being  of  a  ruby  red  color. 


SODALITE.       SPINELLANE.       LYTHRODES.  159 

Species  15.     SODALITE.*—  Thomson. 

Sodalite,  J.  A.  P.  C. 

Ext.  Char. — Color,  light  green,  or  bluish  green  ; 
occurs  massive,  but  more  commonly  crystallized  in 
rhombic  dodecahedrons  ;  cleavage  parallel  to  the 
planes  of  the  cube  ;  structure  foliated ;  cross  fracture 
conchoidal ;  lustre  vitreous  ;  translucent ;  sp.  gr.  about 
2.37. ;  hardness  equal  to  that  of  felspar. 

Chem.  Char.  Infusible,  but  the  edges  become  rounded. 

Comp.  Silex  38.42  ;  alumine  27.48  ;  lime  2.70  ;  soda  23.5 ;  mu- 
riatic acid  3  ;  oxide  of  iron  1  ;  volatile  matter  2.1. — Thomson. 

Local.  Greenland,  with  sahlite,  augite,  arid  garnet.  Vesuvius, 
with  augite,  and  ice-spar. 

Species  16.     SPINELLANE. 

Spinellane,  H.  J.  A.  P.  C. 

Ext.  Char. — Colors,  bluish  yellow,  or  brownish  blue ; 
occurs  in  crystalline  masses,  and  in  minute  six-sided 
prisms,  with  three-sided  terminations  ;  the  faces  of  the 
terminations  are  rhombic,  and  stand  on  alternate  late- 
ral edges  of  the  prism,  at  each  extremity ;  cleavage, 
parallel  to  the  planes  of  the  prism  ;  scratches  glass ; 
brittle,  sp.  gr.  2.28. 

Chem.  Char.  Whitens,  and  readily  melts  into  a  porous  enamel. 

Comp.  Silex  43.10  ;  alumine  29.5  ;  lime  1.5 ;  soda  19  ;  oxide  of 
iron  2  ;  water  2.5. — Klaproth. 

Local.  Lake  Laach,  in  the  department  of  the  Rhine,  in  a  rock  of 
felspar,  mica,  quartz,  hornblende,  and  iron  ore. 

Species  17.    LYTHRODES. 

Lythrodes,  Karsten.  P. 

Ext.  Char. — Colors,  red,  brownish  red,  or  yellowish, 
occasionally  with  spots  of  green;  occurs  massive  and 
disseminated ;  structure  imperfectly  foliated  ;  yields 
to  cleavage,  apparently  parallel  to  the  planes  of  a 
slightly  rhombic  prism;  lustre  glimmering,  or  resinous; 
cross  fracture  splintery  and  dull;  slightly  translucent 
on  the  edges  ;  yields  with  difficulty  to  the  knife ;  sp. 
gr.  2.5. 

Comp.   Silex  44  ;  alumine  37  ;  soda  8  ;  water  6  ;  lime  2.7  ;  ox- 
ide of  iron  1 . — Karsten. 
Local.  Norway 

*  From  its  containing  soda. 


160  KILLINITE.      EUDYALITE.       SOMMITE. 

Species  18.     KILLINITE.— Tay  lor. 

KilJinite,  P.  C. 

Ext.  Char. — Color,  light  green,  sometimes  tinged 
with  brown,  or  yellow ;  often  coated  externally  of  a 
ferruginous  color  from  disintegration  ;  occurs  massive, 
with  the  occasional  appearance  of  prisms ;  structure 
lamellar  ;  cleavage  parallel  to  the  lateral  planes  of  a 
rhombic  prism  ;  cross  fracture  fine  grained  ;  translu- 
cent ;  yields  to  the  knife ;  easily  frangible  ;  external 
coat  yields  an  argillaceous  odor  when  breathed  on  ; 
sp.  gr.  2.69  ;  lustre  glimmering. 

Chem.  Char.  Becomes  white,  swells,  and  fuses  into  a  white  ena- 
mel. 

Comp.  Silex  52.49 ;  alumine  24.50  ;  potash  5  ;  oxide  of  iron 
2.49 ;  oxide  of  manganese  0.75  ;  water  5  ;  with  traces  of  lime  and 
magnesia. — Barker. 

Remark.  Phillips  says,  that  it  greatly  resembles  spodumene,  and 
that  it  is  probable  future  analysis  will  prove  the  alkali  it  contains  to 
be,  riot  potash,  but  lithia. 

Local.  At  Killiney,*  near  Dublin,  in  Ireland,  in  granite. 

Species  19.     EUDYALITE.t 

Eudyalite,  P.  C. 

Ext.  Char. — Colors,  red,  or  brownish  red  ;  occurs 
massive  and  crystallized  in  irregular,  and  unknown 
forms  ;  may  be  cleaved  into  regular  hexahedral  prisms ; 
translucent. 

Comp.  Silex  53.325 ;  zircon  11.102  ;  lime  9.735  ;  soda  13.822  ; 
oxide  of  iron  7.754  ;  oxide  of  manganese  2.002 ;  muriatic  acid 
1.034;  water  1.801. — Stromeyer. 

Local.  Greenland,  with  sodalite. 

Species  20.     SOMMITE.f 
Nepheline,  H.  J.  C.     Sommite,  P.  A. 

Ext.  Char. — Colors,  greyish,  or  greenish  white  ;  oc- 
curs in  small  crystals  and  crystalline  grains ;  form,  a 
regular  six-sided  prism,  with  the  lateral  edges  and  ter- 
minal angles  often  replaced  ;  cleavage  parallel  to  the 
planes  of  the  prism  ;  cross  fracture  conchoidal ;  lustre 
shining,  vitreous  ;  scratches  glass  :  sp.  gr.  about  3.2. 

*  Hence  the  name. 

f  From  the  Greek,  in  allusion  to  its  solubility  in  acids. 
t  From  its  occurring  on  Monte  Somma. 


ANALCIME.  ]61 

Chem.  Char.  Fusible  into  a  blebby  colorless  glass.  Renders  ni- 
trous acid  cloudy,  when  immersed  in  it. 

Comp.  Silex  44.11;  aiumine  33.73  ;  soda  20.46;  loss  0.62.— 
Arfwedson. 

Dist.  Char.  It  resembles  phosphate  of  lime,  but  is  harder  and  does 
not  phosphoresce  on  hot  coals. 

Loral.  Mount  Somma,  near  Vesuvius,  with  mica  and  idocrase, 
Near  Rome,  in  lava. 

Species  21.     ANALCIME.* 

Analcime,  H.  A.  P.  C.     Hexahedral  Zeolite,  or  Analcime,  J.     Hex- 
ahedral  Kouphone-Spar,  M. 

Ext.  Char. — Colors,  white,  grey,  yellowish,  or  deep 
red;  occurs  crystallized  in  cubes,  either  perfect,  or 
having  its  solid  angles  replaced  by  three  planes  ;  also, 
in  twenty-four-sided  crystals,  the  faces  of  which  pre- 
sent trapezoidal  figures,  like  those  bounding  the  sides 
of  the  garnet ;  scratches  glass  ;  transparent  or  trans- 
lucent, and  sometimes  opake ;  crystals  often  implanted 
and  grouped  ;  lustre,  shining  and  pearly  ;  by  friction 
acquires  a  weak  electricity  :  sp.  gr.  about  2.25. 

Chem.  Char.  Fusible  without  intumescence  into  a  diaphanous 
glass. 

Comp.  Silex  58 ;  aiumine  18  ;  lime  2  ;  soda  10  ;  water  8.5.— 
Vauquelin. 

Dist.  Char.  The  leucite,  which  it  resembles,  commonly  occurs 
in  distinct  crystals,  or  small  masses,  and  never  in  implanted 
groups  like  the  present  species  ;  leucite  is  also  infusible.  The  gar- 
net,  which  the  red  variety  resembles,  is  much  harder  and  heavier. 
Fluor-spar  melts  into  a  white  globule,  carbonate  of  lime  effervesces, 
and  from  stilbite,  and  zeolite,  it  differs  in  crystalline  form. 

It  occurs  in  primitive  rocks,  and  in  trap,  and  lava. 

Local.  Bohemia,  in  the  Hartz,  Iceland,  Faroe  Islands,  near  Edin- 
burgh, and  in  several  other  parts  of  Scotland,  Ireland,  &c, 

U.  S.  Patterson,  N.  J.  in  greenstone.  East  Haven,  Conn,  with 
agates  and  chalcedony.  Deerfield,  Mass,  in  greenstone. 

Var.  1.     sACOLiTE.f 

Ext.  Char. — Color,  flesh  red  ;  occurs  in  cubes  with 
the  solid  angles  truncated  ;  nearly  transparent. 

Local.  Mount  Somma,  in  Italy,  and  Carlton  Hill,  near  Edin- 
burgh. 

*  From  the  Greek,  in  allusion  to  its  weak  electric  powers, 
t  From  its  being  of  a  flesh  red  color. 

21 


162 


CLINKSTONE.   PITCHSTONE, 


Species  22.     CLINKSTONE,  t 

Clinkstone,  J.  A.  P.  C. 

Ext.  Char. — Colors,  smoke  grey,  greenish  grey,  grey- 
ish brown,  or  yellowish  ;  occurs  massive  ;  structure 
imperfectly  slaty  ;  fracture  splintery,  passing  into  con- 
choidal ;  lustre  glimmering  or  dull ;  translucent  on  the 
edges;  yields  to  the  knife;  harsh  and  rough  to  the 
touch  ;  gives  a  ringing  metallic  sound  when  struck 
with  a  hard  body  ;  brittle  ;  sp  gr.  2.57. 

Chem.  Char.  Fusible  with  ease,  into  a  glass  slightly  colored. 

Comp.  Silex  57.25  ;  alumine  25.50;  lime  2.75  ;  soda  8.1;  oxide 
of  iron  3.25  ;  oxide  of  manganese  0.25 ;  water  3  — Klaproth. 

It  frequently  rests  on  basalt 

Local  Bohemia,  Upper  Lusace,  South  America,  Scotland,  in  sev- 
eral places.  Antrim,  in  Ireland,  &c. 

Species  23.     PITCHSTONE. 

Pitchstone,  K.  J.  A.  P.  C. 

Ext.  Char. — Colors,  grey,  blue,  green,  yellow,  red, 
brown  and  black  of  various  shades,  but  always  dull ; 
occurs  massive,  and  in  prismatic  concretions ;  struc- 
ture slaty,  sometimes  curved  ;  lustre,  resino-vitreous ; 
fracture  imperfectly  conchoidal ;  opake  or  translucent ; 
scratches  glass  ;  sp.  gr.  from  2.32  to  2.64. 

Chem.  Char.  Some  few  varieties  are  infusible,  others  melt  into  ah 
enamel,  the  color  of  which  depenos  on  that  of  the  specimen. 

Comp.  Silex  73  ;  alumine  14.5  ;  lime  1  ;  soda  1.75  ;  oxide  of  iron 
1  ;  oxide  of  manganese  0.1  ;  water  8.5 — Klaproth. 

Dist.  Char.  Its  imperfectly  conchoidal  fracture  will  distinguish  it 
from  obsidian,  which  also  has  a  more  vitreous  lustre  than  pitchstone. 
Its  fusibility  will  distinguish  it  from  flint,  jasper,  semi-opal,  and  horn- 
stone. 

It  is  found  in  primitive  countries,  also  in  trap  rocks,  in  lava,  and  in 
formations  of  doubtful  origin.  Though  generally  found  in  veins  and 
small  masses,  it  sometimes  forms  whole  mountains,  as  Kirwan  states 
to  be  the  case  in  Misnia  ;  Pinkerton  states  the  same  fact  in  regard  to 
certain  mountains  in  Germany  and  New  Spain. 

Local.  Cairngorum,  in  Scotland.  Germany,  in  many  places.  Ire- 
land, near  Dublin.  Mexico,  Teneriffe.  &c. 

U.  S.  Bare  Hills,  near  Baltimore,  Md.  in  serpentine. 

Obs.  Pinkerton  mentions  a  pitchstone  porphyry  which  occurs  at 
Auvergne,  in  France.  The  base  is  dark  bottle  green,  with  lighter 
green  crystals  of  felspar.  In  a  specimen  of  thi»  kind  before  me,  the 
crystals  of  felspar  often  cross  each  other,  or  are  set  in  the  form  of 
stars,  and  being  of  a  light  apple  green,  contrasted  with  the  dark 
ground,  forms  a  beautiful  mineral. 

t  Because  it  rings  when  struck. 


LAVA.       PUMICE.  163 

Species  24.     LAVA. 

Lava,  J.  A.  PC. 

Ext.  Char.— Colors,  yellowish,  or  greenish  grey, 
greyish  black,  or  greenish  black,  sometimes  sulphur 
yellow,  and  often  spotted  with  red  ;  occurs  massive, 
with  internal  marks  of  fusion,  being  vesicular,  or  porous, 
the  vesicles  being  empty ;  fracture  more  or  less  con- 
choidal,  or  fibrous  ;  lustre  glistening  or  shining;  opake, 
or  feebly  translucent  on  the  edges  ;  also  compact,  with 
a  dull  earthy  fracture,  and  often  containing  crystals  of 
felspar,  leucite,  hornblende,  £c. ;  brittle  ;  often  attracts 
the  magnet. 

Chem  Char.  Fusible  into  a  dark  colored  glass. 

Gump.  (Compact  lava.)  Silex51  ;  alumine  19  ;  lime  10;  soda  4  $ 
iron  14  ;  water  1. — Phillips 

Disf.  Ckar.  Lava  is  heavier  than  purnice,  and  does  not  possess  its 
fibrous  aspect,  nor  its  silky  lustre. 

It  is  found  in  volcanic  countries  only,  and  is  the  product  of  the  ac- 
tion of  volcanic  fire  on  earthy  minerals. 

Local.  Etna,  Vesuvius,  Hecla,  and  most  other  volcanoes. 

Obs.  1  Werner  and  Jameson  notice  two  kinds  of  lava,  slag  lava, 
and  foam  lava.  Hauy  enumerates  six  species,  and  Karsteii  nine. 
Many  mineralogists,  however,  believe  that  some  substances  formerly 
included  among  the  lavas,  are  not  volcanic  products,  and  consequent- 
ly not  true  lavas. 

2.  Lava  frequently  includes  crystals  and  other  substances  which 
are  easily  fusible,  but  which  in  appearance  have  not  been  altered  by 
the  fire  ;  such   are  felspar  and  hornblende.     On  this  account  some 
mineralogists  have  doubted  its  volcanic  origin. 

3.  The  above  description  is  intended  to  embrace  only  such  sub- 
stances as  are  undoubted  lavas. 

Species  25.    PUMICE. 

Pumice,  C. 

Ext.  Char. — Colors,  greyish  or  yellowish  brown,  or 
light  smoke  grey ;  occurs  massive  ;  structure  fibrous ; 
texture  extremely  porous  ;  pores  round,  or  elongated  ; 
lustre  shining,  pearly ;  very  brittle ;  opake,  or  trans- 
lucent on  the  edges  ;  scratches  glass  and  steel ;  frac- 
ture fibrous,  or  imperfectly  conchoidal;  yields  to  the 
knife ;  sp.  gr.  1.4,  but  is  sometimes  so  light  as  to  swim 
on  water. 

Chem.  Char.  Fusible  into  a  yellowish  green  glass  full  of  bubbles. 
Comp.  Silex  77.5  ;  alurnine  17.5  ;  oxide  of  iron  1.75;  potash  and 
soda  3. — Klaproth. 


164  ,    BASALT. 

Obs.  1.  Pumice  is  generally  considered  a  volcanic  product,  though 
some  geologists  consider  it  an  aqueous  deposite.  That  it  is  some- 
times of  volcanic  origin,  there  cannot  be  a  doubt,  as  in  some  cases  of 
submarine  volcanoes,  pumice  has  been  formed,  and  floated  on  shore  ; 
but  all  volcanoes  do  not  seem  to  produce  it,  as  it  is  but  sparingly 
found  at  Vesuvius,  and  not  at  all  at  Etna. 

2  Pumice  often  contains  crystals  of  hornblende,  felspar,  quartz, 
mica,  &>c. 

Local  Auvergne,  in  France.  Iceland,  Teneriffe,  Lipari,  Hunga- 
ry, &c. 

The  pumice  of  commerce  comes  chiefly  from  Lipari. 

Uses.  It  is  used  under  the  name  of  pumice-stone,  for  scouring 
brass,  polishing  certain  metals  and  glass,  and  by  cabinet  makers  for 
smoothing  wood  and  varnish.  In  the  countries  where  it  is  found,  it  is 
sometimes  employed  as  a  building  stone. 

Species  26.     BASALT. 

Lave  Lithoide  B.isaltique,  H.  Basalt,  J.  A.  P.  C. 
Ext.  Char. — Colors,  greyish  black,  brownish  grey, 
or  bluish  black  ;  occurs  in  large  amorphous  masses, 
or  in  globular,  columnar,  or  tabular  forms  ;  fracture 
splintery,  or  coarse  grained,  uneven  ;  sometimes  con- 
choidal  ;  lustre  feebly  glimmering,  or  dull ;  opaks  ; 
streak,  ash  grey ;  often  porous,  or  vesicular ;  cavities 
sometimes  of  considerable  size,  of  a  flat,  oblong,  or 
round  shape  ;  often,  also,  porphyritic :  sp.  gr.  from 
2.o  to  3. 

Chem.  Char.  Fusible  into  an  opake  black  glass.  With  borax  it 
slowly  dissolves  into  a  greenish  transparent  glass. 

Camp.  (From  Saxony.)  Silex  44.5;  alumine  16.75;  lime  9.5; 
magnesia  2.25  ;  soda  2.6  ;  oxide  of  iron  20 ;  oxide  of  manganese 
0.12;  water  2.— Phillips. 

Dist.  Char.  It  is  of  a  darker  color,  and  wants  the  greenish  tinge 
ef  greenstone.  It  seldom  rings  like  clinkstone  ;  and  from  indurated 
clay  and  argillite,  it  may  generally  be  known  from  the  difference  of 
lustre  and  fracture,  as  well  as  from  the  vesicles  and  imbedded  min- 
erals which  it  contains. 

O6s  1,  Basalt  is  often  porphyritic,  containing  embedded  crystals, 
as  hornblende,  olivine,  felspar,  quartz,  mica,  analcime,  clay,  &c. 
Sometimes  its  cavities  are  lined  with  incrustations  of  lime,  steatite, 
and  zeolite. 

2.  It  frequently  attracts  the  magnet,  and  is  subject  to  decomposi- 
tion, in  consequence  of  the  quantity  of  iron  it  contains. 

Var.   1.       COLUMNAR    BASALT. 

Figurate  Trap,  K.     Columnar  Basalt,  C.  , 

It  occurs  in  columns  of  a  prismatic  form,  having  from 


BASALT.  165 

three,  to  nine  plane  sides,  or  faces,  but  more  commonly 
only  five  or  six.  These  columns  are  of  all  sizes,  from 
a  few  inches  to  several  feet  in  diameter,  and  sometimes 
nearly  an  hundred  feet  high,  occasionally  straight 
but  oftener  curved.  The  columns  are  jointed,  or  com- 
posed of  many  pieces  of  the  same  shape  and  dimen- 
sions, lying  one  on  the  other.* 

Local.  Giant's  Causeway,  north  of  Ireland, 

Var.  2.       GLOBULAR  BASALT. 

Globular  Basalt,  Bakewett. 

Ext  Char. — This  variety  occurs  in  tabular  masses, 
from  a  few  inches  to  several  feet  in  diameter.  They 
are  composed  of  concentric  spheres,  or  layers,  one 
without  the  other,  forming  globes,  whioh  are  filled  with 
lesser  globes,  gradually  diminishing  in  size  to  the  cen- 
tre. These  spheres  are  cross-cracked  so  as  to  give 
the  mass  a  radiated  structure. 

Sometimes,  says  Mr.  Bakewell  in  his  geology,  these  spheres  ap- 
pear compressed  against  each  other,  so  as  to  flatten  their  sides.  At 
the  centre  they  often  contain  a  fragment  of  compact  basalt,  or  some 
other  substance,  as  a  piece  of  shell  limestone,  as  a  nucleus. 

Obs.  1.  Basalt  is  undoubtedly  a  secondary  rock,  but  mineralogists 
disagree  as  to  the  mode  of  its  formation.  Some  contend  that  nothing 
but  fusion  could  have  produced  the  crystalline  form,  and  the  vesicu- 
lar structure  of  this  rock ;  while  others  see  no  difficulty  in  account- 
ing for  these  and  other  peculiarities,  on  the  supposition  of  its  aque- 
ous origin,  and  contend  that  basalt  is  a  deposit  from  water. 

2.  Notwithstanding  the  strong  marks  of  fire  which  basalt  seems  to 
bear,  there  are  many  circumstances  which  discountenance  its  volca- 
nic origin.     It  often  contains  substances  apparently  unaltered,  which 
are  easily  fusible,  as  hornblende,  felspar,  and  clay.    It  also  embraces 
organic  remains,  both  of  animals  and  vegetables,  and  sometimes  rests 
on  coal,  or  bituminous  wood  without  leaving  any  marks  of  fire  on 
these  substances.     Another  strong  argument  against  its  volcanic  ori- 
gin is  that  it  frequently  alternates  with  limestone,  and  sandstone. 

3.  On  the  whole,  it  is  most  probable  that  some  basalts  have  origin- 
ated from  fire,  and  others  from  water.     According  to  Phillips,  the  ba- 
salt of  Germany  is  believed  by  most  geologists,  to  be  of  Neptunian  or 
aqueous  origin,  while  that  of  France  is  universally  acknowledged  to 
be  volcanic. 

4  Probably  the  most  remarkable  locality  of  this  rock  existing,  is 
that  called  the  Giant's  Causeway,  in  the  north  of  Ireland.  At  this 

*  See  Bakewell's  Geology. 


166  JADE  NEPHRITE. 

place,  a  vast  number  of  basaltic  columns  stand  side  by  side,  forming 
the  walls  of  a  gap,  from  the  sea  into  the  side  of  the  mountain.  The 
area  of  this  gap  is  about  600  feet  long  by  30  wide.  The  columns  are 
mostly  straight,  and  about  40  feet  high. 

5.  Another  very  interesting  locality  of  this  mineral,  is  at  Cader 
Idris,  in  North  Wales,  where  a  vast  number  of  these  columns  are 
lying  in  confus-ion  on  each  other,  as  though  they  had  been  thrown 
down  by  some  terrible  convulsion.  Bake  well  has  given  a  drawing  of 
this  scene. 

Species  27.     JADE.     NEPHRITE. 
Jade  Nephritique,  II.     Jade,  A.  P.  C.    Nephrite,  J. 
Ext.   Char. — Colors,  mountain  green,   passing  into 
dark  grass  green,  sometimes  light  sea  green  ;  occurs 
massive,   and   in  rolled  pebbles;  fracture  splintery  ; 
lustre  glimmering,  and  greasy,  when  polished  ;  trans- 
lucent, sometimes  only  on  the  edges  ;  unctuous  to  the 
touch ;  strongly  coherent,  and  very  difficult  to  break  ; 
scratches  glass  ;  structure  compact  ;  cleavage,  none. 

Chem.  Char.  Fusible  into  a  greenish  glass. 

Obs.  1.  The  descriptions  of  this  mineral  by  different  authors,  are 
quite  discordant.  Kirwan  says,  jade  is  infusible  by  the  strongest 
heat  of  a  furnace.  Hauy  and  Cleveland  say,  it  is  easily  fusible  by 
the  blowpipe.  Aikin  says,  that  it  yields  to  the  knife.  Phillips,  that 
it  scratches  quartz,  &c. 

2.  In  respect  to  composition,  Kirwan  gives,  silex  47  ;  magnesia 
38  ;  clay  4  ;  lime  ~2  ;  iron  9. 

Saussure.  silex  57.75  ;  lime  12.75  ;  alumine  1.5  ;  oxide  of  iron  5; 
oxide  of  manganese  2  ;  soda  10.75  ;  potash  8.5  ;  water  2.25. 

3.  These  characters  and  compositions  are  so  widely  different,  as  to 
render  it  impossible  that  they  should  belong  to  the  same  species.     It 
is  most  probable,  therefore,  that  the  same  name  has  been  applied  to 
minerals  ot  entirely  distinct  species. 

4.  The  above  specific  description,  applies  to  what  the  writer  has 
considered  undoubted  specimens  of  jade. 

Var.  1.     AXE-STONE. 

Jade  ascien,  H.     Slaty  Jade,  A.     Axe-stone,  J.  P.  C. 
Ext.  Char. — Color,   somewhat   darker  than  that  of 
jade  ;  fracture  obscurely  slaty ;    slightly  translucent ; 
occurs  amorphous  and  in  rolled  pebbles. 

Chem.  Char.  Fusible  by  the  blowpipe. 

Local.  New  Zealand,  North  and  South  America,  Corsica,  Switzer- 
land, Saxony,  &c. 

Uses.  It  is  the  stone  of  which  the  Aborigines  chiefly  made  their 
axes,  gouges,  and  other  such  like  instruments  ;  hence  the  name. 

Local.  Bohemia,  Faroe  Islands,  Iceland,  north  of  Ireland,  near 


CHABAISE.  167 

Far.  2.     SAIJSSUREITE.* 

Jade  de  Saussure,  Bt.  Saussureite,  J.  A.  P.  C. 
Ext.  Char. — Colors,  deep  green,  greenish  grey,  or 
greenish  white  ;  occurs  amorphous,  and  in  rolled 
masses  ;  scratches  quartz  ;  translucent  on  the  edges  ; 
extremely  tough  ;  texture  compact  ;  fracture  splinte- 
ry;  a  little  unctuous. 

Chem.  Char.  Fusible  before  the  blowpipe  into  a  greenish  glass. 

Dist.  Char.  Jade  may  be  known  from  serpentine  by  its  toughness 
and  greasy  aspect.  From  jasper,  pitchstone,  hornstone,  and  com- 
pact, felspar,  by  its  want  of  the  conchoidal  fracture,  great  tenacity, 
and  oily  aspect. 

Local.  Jade  or  nephrite  is  found  in  China,  the  East  Indies,  Mora- 
via, Tyrol,  Switzerland,  Austria,  &/c. 

U.  S    Ten  miles  from  Philadelphia.     Smithfield,  R.  1. 

Obs.  It  was  anciently  considered  a  remedy  for  nephritic  com- 
plaints, when  worn  ;  hence  the  name,  nephrite. 

Uses.  Its  great  tenacity,  observes  Jameson,  enables  the  artist  to 
execute  on  it  beautifully  delicate  figures  without  the  risk  of  breaking. 
The  Turks  cut  it  into  handles  for  sabres  and  daggers  which  they 
prize  highly.  It  is  said  even  to  have  been  wrought  into  chains. 

Species  28.     CHABAISE.t 

Shabasit,  W.     Chabasite,  J.     Chabaise,   A.  P.  C.     Rhornbohedral 
Kouphone-Spar,  M. 

Ext.  Char. — Colors,  white,  yellowish  white,  greyish, 
or  pale  red  ;  occurs  in  crystals  only ;  form,  an  obtuse 
rhomhoid,  scarcely  to  be  distinguished  from  a  cube,  its 
alternate  angles  being  94  deg.  arid  86  deg. ;  subject  to 
various  modifications  ;  cleavage  parallel  to  the  planes 
of  the  rhomboid  ;  scarcely  scratches  glass ;  translucent 
or  transparent;  structure  lamellar;  crystals  often  im- 
planted, or  set  on  other  minerals  ;  lustre  vitreous :  sp. 
gr.  2.7. 

Chem.  Char.  Fusible  with  slight  swelling  into  a  white  spongy 
mass.  Acids  do  not  act  on  it. 

Comp.  Silex  43.33 ;  alumine  22.66  ;  soda  and  potash  9.34 ;  wa- 
ter 21  ;  lime  3.34. — Vauquelin. 

Dist.  Char.  From  carbonate  of  lime  and  zeolite,  it  differs  in  re- 
sisting the  action  of  acids  ;  fluor-spar,  which  it  also  resembles,  is  act- 
ed on  by  acids,  phosphoresces  when  heated,  and  decrepitates,  neither 
of  which  characters  belong  to  chabaise. 

It  is  found  chiefly  in  amygdaloid,  basalt,  and  greenstone. 

*  In  honor  of  M.  Saussure. 
t  From  the  Greek,  signifying  a  particular  species  of  stone. 


168 


GARBON1TE.       LEPIDOLITE. 


Oberstein,  in  Germany.     Fassa.    Island  of  Sky.     The  finest  spe- 
cimens come  from  the  three  first  named  places 

U.  S.  Deerfield,  Mass  in  greenstone,  and  balls  of  zeolite. — Hitch- 
cock. 

Var.  1.     MESOLINE. 

Mesoline,  Berzelius.   Ed.  Phil.  Jour.  Vol.  VII. 
Ext.  Char. — Color,  whitish;    occurs    in   crystalline 
coats,  investing  the  surface  of  amygdaloid,  or  lining  its 
cavities. 

Chem.  Char.  Fusible  with  intumescence  into  a  spongy  mass. 

Comp.  Silex  47.50  ;  alumine  21.40  ;  soda  4.80  ;  lime  7.90  ;  wa- 
ter 18.19.— Berzelius. 

Obs.  A  substance  found  with  the  mesoline,  and  which  Berzelius 
has  ascertained  to  contain  the  same  constituents,  but  in  somewhat 
different  proportions,  he  has  named  mesole.  It  occurs  in  reniform 
shapes  composed  of  crystalline  fibres  radiating  from  the  centre  ;  color, 
white,  or  yellowish. 

Local  Faroe,  lining  the  cavities  of  amygdaloid. 

Species  29.     GABRONITE. 
Gabronite,  H.  Bt.  P.  C.     Compact  Scapolite,  J. 
Ext.  Char. — Colors,  bluish,  or  greenish  grey,  or  red ; 
occurs  in  compact  masses  ;  said  also  to  occur  in  four- 
sided    prisms,    terminated   by  four-sided   pyramids ; 
structure  lameller  ;    lustre  glistening,  and  resinous  ; 
fracture   uneven  and  splintery  ;    translucent   on   the 
edges  ;  scratches  glass  :  sp.  gr.  nearly  3. 

Chem.  Char.  Fusible  with  difficulty  into  an  opake  globule. 
Comp.  Silex  54 ;  alumine  24  ;  magnesia   1.5  ;  potash  and  soda 
17.25  ;  oxides  of  iron  and  manganese  1.25  ;  water  2. — John. 
Local.  Arendal,  in  Norway,  in  titaniferous  iron  ore. 

Species  30.     LEPIDOLITE.* 

Lepidolithe,  H.     Lepidolite,  J.  A.   P.   C.      Rhombohedral    Talc- 
Mica,  M. 

Ext.  Char. — Colors,  lilac  red,  rose  red,  or  pearl  grey ; 
occurs  massive,  presenting  an  aggregate  of  minute, 
shining,  flexible  scales,  or  hexagonal  plates ;  fracture 
fine  grained,  splintery ;  lustre,  glistening  and  pearly; 
yields  to  the  knife  with  ease ;  in  powder,  unctuous  to 
the  touch  :  sp.  gr.  2.8. 

Chem.  Char.  Fusible  with  ease  into  a  transparent  globule,  at  the 
same  time  says  Aikin,  tinging  the  flame  purplish  red. 

*  From  the  Greek,  signifying  a  scaly  stone. 


PETALITE.  1 69 

Comp.  Silex  54 ;  alumine  20.61  ;  potash  9.6 ;  oxide  of  manga- 
nese 0.5  ;  lime  16  ;  water  1.86. —  VauqueUn. 

Another  variety  yielded,  says  Prof.  Gmelin.  Silex  52.254  ;  alumine 
28.345  ;  oxide  of  manganese  3.602  ;  potash  6.903  ;  lithion  4.792  ; 
fluoric  acid  3.609. 

Prof.  Gmelin,  before  the  analysis,  supposed  the  mineral  to  have 
been  mica,  crystallized  in  large  laminae. — Sillimari's  Journal 

Dist.  Char.  Its  appearance  much  resembles  an  aggregation  of 
small  scales  of  mica,  but  mica  melts  into  a  greyish  or  black  enamel, 
and  is  not  unctuous  to  the  touch. 

Obs.  Lepidolite  is  often  a  very  handsome  mineral.  Its  color,  ap- 
proaching to  that  of  peach  blossom,  in  some  instances,  is  remarkably 
soft  and  pleasant  to  the  eye,  while  its  scales  are  so  disposed  as  to  give 
it  a  glittering  and  brilliant  lustre  in  whatever  direction  it  is  lield. 

Uses.  It  is  cut  into  snuff-boxes,  and  various  other  ornaments. 

Var.   I.       CRYSTALLIZED  LEPIDOLITE. 

Ext.  Char. — Color,  green  ;  resembles  tourmaline,  but 
is  much  softer,  and  easily  fusible. 

Local  Lepidolite  occurs  in  Moravia,  in  a  bed  of  gneiss.  In  Swe- 
den, in  a  quartose  rock.  It  is  also  found  in  France,  Elba,  and  in 
several  parts  of  Scotland,  and  Norway. 

U.  S.  Paris,  Maine,  of  great  beauty.     Middletown,  Conn. 

Species  31.     PETALITE. 

Petalite,  H.     Prismatic  Petalite,  J.     Petalite,  P.  C.     Prismatic-Pe- 
taline-Spar,  M. 

Ext.  Char. — Colors,  greyish  white,  greenish,  or  red- 
dish, and  sometimes  white;  occurs  in  masses;  structure 
foliated  ;  cleavage  parallel  to  the  planes  of  a  four- 
sided  prism;  laminae,  sometimes  undulated,  or  scaly; 
lustre  glistening,  and  sometimes  pearly  ;  rather  brittle ; 
scratches  glass :  sp.  gr.  about  2.5. 

Chem.  Char.  Fuses  with  difficulty  into  a  porous  translucent  glass. 
Sometimes  the  surface  only  is  a  little  glazed.  With  borax,  melts  into 
a  limpid  glass. 

Comp.  Silex  80  ;  alumine  15  ;  lithia  1.75  ;  manganese  2.50  ;  wa- 
ter 0.25.— C/arfo. 

Dist.  Char.  It  sometimes  resembles  white  quartz,  but  is  easily 
distinguished  from  it,  by  the  foregoing  characters. — Cleveland. 

Local.  l,"toe  and  Sahla,  in  Sweden,  associated  with  quartz  and 
felspar.  It  is  a  very  rare  mineral. 

U.  S.  Bolton,  Mass,  associated  with  nuttalite. 

22 


170  SPODUMENE.      MEION1TE. 

Species  32.    SPODUMENE. 

Triphane,  H.     Prismatic   Spodumene,  J.     Spodumene,  A.  P.  C. 
Prismatic  Triphane-Spar,  M. 

Ext.  Char. — Colors,  greyish,  or  greenish  white  ; 
occurs  massive,  and  in  crystals  ;  structure  laminated ; 
cleavage  parallel  to  the  sides,  and  shorter  diagonal  of 
a  rhombic  prism ;  lustre  shining,  and  somewhat  pearly ; 
translucent ;  scratches  glass  ;  cross  fracture  uneven 
and  splintery:  sp.  gr.  3.19. 

Chem.  Char.  Exfoliates  a  little,  and  then  melts  into  a  nearly  limpid 
glass. 

Comp.  Silex  64.4  ;  alumine  24.4  ;  potash  5  ;  lime  3  ;  oxide  of 
iron  22. —  Vauquelin, 

Dist.  Char.  From  adularia,  which  it  most  resembles,  it  differs  in 
the  shape  of  its  rhomboidal  fragments,  and  in  not  emitting  the  pe- 
uJiar  moon-stone  reflections.  It  is  harder  than  carbonate  of  lime.  Zoi- 
site  is  commonly  of  a  darker  color,  and  melts  into  a  porous  glass.  It 
is  harder  than  ichthyopnthalmite,  which  separates  into  flakes  in  nitric 
•old. 

Local  Utoe,  in  Sweden,  in  a  matrix  of  red  felspar,  quartz,  and 
mica.  Tyrol,  in  a  granite  rock. 

V.  S.  Goshen,  Chester,  Conway,  Lancaster,  and  Sterling,  Mass. 
At  Goshen,  it  is  abundant. — Robinson.  At  Sterling,  it  fills  the  place 
of  felspar  in  a  granite  rock.— Silliman. 

Species  33.     MEIONITE. 

Meionite,  H.  J.  A.  P.  C.  Pyramidal  Feld-Spar,  M. 
Ext.  Char. — Colors,  whitish,  or  greyish  white ;  occurs 
in  grains,  or  small  four,  or  eight-sided  prisms,  termi- 
nated by  four-sided  pyramids,  sometimes  modified  by 
truncation  ;  primary  form,  a  right  prism,  with  square 
bases ;  structure  foliated ;  cleavage  parallel  to  the 
planes  of  the  prismatic  form  ;  cross  fracture,  flat  con- 
choidal ;  lustre  shining,  vitreous  ;  translucent  or  trans- 
parent ;  scratches  glass  :  sp.  gr.  from  2.6  to  3.1. 

Chem.  Char.  Melts  with  ebullition,  into  a  porous  transparent  glass 

Comp.  Silex  40.8;  alumine  30.6;  lime  22.1;  soda  and  Jithia 
02.4  ;  oxide  of  iron  01.0.—  Gmelin. 

Remark.  The  analysis  of  different  specimens,  differs  considera- 
bly. 

Dist.  Char.  It  is  more  transparent  than  scopolite.  Dipyre  is  red- 
dish, the  present  species  is  always  whitish.  It  will  be  remembered 
that  zeolite  forms  a  jelly  with  acids. 

Local.  Mount  Somma,  near  Vesuvius,  from  which  it  is  ejected 
with  other  volcanic  matter.  It  often  adheres  to  fragments  of  lime- 
Stone,  unaltered  by  the  heat. 


ACHMITE.      CLEVELANDITE.  17 1 

Species  34.     ACHMITE.* 
Achmite,  Stromeyer.  Moks. 

Ext.  Char. — Color,  brownish  black ;  occurs  in  pris- 
matic crystals,  with  two  broid,  and  several  narrow 
faces,  with  accu limited  terminations;  cleavage  dis- 
tinct in  four  directions ;  fracture  imperfect  conchoidal; 
lustre  vitreous;  opake,  or  translucent  on  the  edges; 
streak,  a  powder  yellowish  grey  ;  brittle  ;  hardness 
about  that  of  felspar ;  sometimes  occurs  in  twin  crys- 
tals :  sp.  gr.  3.24 . 

Chem.  Char.  Fusible  with  ease  into  a  black  globule. 

Gomp.  Silex  55.25  ;  oxide  of  iron  31.25  ;  oxide  of  manganese 
1.08  ;  lime  0.72  ;  soda  10.40.— -Be rzelius. 

Obs.  This  newly  discovered  mineral  is  described  in  the  Edinb. 
Philo.  Jour.  Vol.  IX-  Also  in  Mohs'  Min.  Vol.  3.  Appendix. 

Local.  Eger,  in  Norway,  imbedded  in  granite. 

Species  95.    CLEVELANDITE.t 
Siliceous  Felspar,  Gibbs.  C.     Clevelandite,  Brooke. 

Ext.  Char. — Colors,  white,  greyish  white,  bluish,  and 
reddish,  or  red ;  occurs  massive  and  crystallized  in 
rhombic  tabular  crystals,  of  which  the  lateral  edges 
are  sometimes  truncated ;  cry$tals  often  aggregated, 
so  as  to  present  stellular  groupi ;  structure  laminated ; 
cleavage,  perfect  in  two  directions  5  texture  of  the 
massive,  approaching  fibrous,  being  composed  of  slen- 
der crystals,  diverging  in  rows  from  straight  or  curv- 
ed lines,  and  producing  a  feathery  aspect ;  translucent 
or  semi-transparent ;  scratches  glass:  sp.  gr.  2.50. 

Obs.  According  to  Phillips,  some  specimens  afford  distinct  clea- 
vage parallel  to  all  the  planes  of  a  doubly  oblique  prism,  yielding  to 
the  reflective  goniometer,  in  one  direction,  alternate  angles  of  93° 
30',  and  86°  30' ;  in  another  direction,  119°  30',  and  60°  30',  and 
in  another  of  115®  65'. 

Chem.  Char.  Fusible  into  a  white  translucent  glass. 

Camp.  Silex  70.7  ;  alumine  19.8  ;  soda  9.0  ;  lime  0.2  ;  oxide  of 
manganese  0.1. — Stromeyer. 

Obs.  Mr.  Levy,  (Ann.  Philo.)  has  examined  Clevelandite  with 
much  attention.  Its  primitive  form,  he  finds,  as  the  result  of  various 
observations,  to  differ  from  that  of  felspar. 

The  primitive  of  the  present  species,  is  a  doubly  oblique  prism, 

*  Prom  the  Greek,  signifying  a  point,  because  the  crystals  are  pointed  at  their  ter- 
minations. 

t  In  honor  of  Prof.  Cleveland,  of  Bowdoin  University,  Maine. 


172  SILLIMANITE. 

while  that  of  felspar  is  an  oblique  rhombic  prism.  These  forms  are 
incompatible,  notwithstanding  their  great  analogy.  The  two  species 
very  nearly  resemble  each  other  in  every  respect,  and  often  occur  in 
the  same  specimen.  Clevelandite,  however,  Mr.  Levy  observes,  has 
a  certain  brilliancy  which  does  not  belong  to  felspar.  On  re-exam- 
ination of  many  specimens,  heretofore  considered  felspar,  they 
have  been  found  to  be  Clevelandite,  either  entirely,  or  in  part  Mr. 
Levy,  indeed,  considers  the  varieties  of  the  present  species,  to  be  at 
least  as  numerous,  as  those  of  felspar. 

Local.  Mr.  Turner,  of  Edinburgh,  from  whose  collection  Mr.  Levy 
has  made  the  above  observations,  has  specimens  from  Dauphiny,  St. 
Gothard,  Tyrol,  Piedmont,  Baveno,  Elba,  Vesuvius,  Saxony,  Sweden, 
Norway,  Siberia,  Greenland,  United  States,  and  South  America. 

U.  S.  Hdddam,  Conn.  Chesterfield  and  Goshen,  Mass.  At  Ches- 
terfield, it  contains  rubellite,  green  tourmaline,  and  indicolite. 

Var.  1.     ABITE. 
Albite,  A.  C.  M. 

Ext.  Char. — Color  white,  greyish  white,  or  reddish  ; 
occurs  in  the  forms  of  the  species,  but  is  peculiar  on 
account  of  the  diverging  striae  with  which  the  crystals 
are  marked  ;  translucent ;  occurs  in  small  crystals  on- 
ly :  lustre  similar  to  that  of  the  species  ;  sp.  gr.  2.6. 

Obs.  This  variety  does  not  differ  in  composition  from  Cleve- 
landite. 

Local  Finbo  and  Broddo,  in  Sweden,  with  quartz  and  mica. 

Obs.  The  other  varieties  of  this  species,  have  not  yet  been  named, 
and  arranged  in  any  publication. 

Species  36.     SILLIMANITE.* 
Sillimanite,  Bowen.  Jour.  Acad,  Sci.  Phila.     Sillimanite,  C.  P.  M. 

Ext.  Char. — Color,  dark  grey,  inclining  to  clove 
brown;  occurs  crystallized  in  four-sided  rhomboidal 
prisms,  whose  alternate  angles  are  106  deg.  30  min.  and 
73  deg.  70  min. ;  the  inclination  of  the  base  to  the  axis 
of  the  prism  being  1 1 3  deg.  ;  cleavage  parallel  to  the 
longer  diagonal  of  the  prism :  cross  fracture  uneven, 
splintery  ;  structure  lamellar;  lustre  of  the  cleavage, 
brilliant;  of  the  cross  fracture,  vitreous;  translucent  on 
the  edges ;  angles,  and  sides  of  the  crystals  often  round- 
ed ;  hardness  greater  than  that  of  quartz  ;  sometimes 
scratches  topaz ;  brittle,  and  reducible  to  powder  ;  sp. 
gr.  3.41. 

Chem.  Char.  Infusible,  even  with  borax.     Insoluble  in  acids. 

*  In  honor  of  Benjamin  Silliman,  LL.  D.  of  Connecticut. 


SILLIMANITE.  173 

Comp.  Alumine54.111  ;  silex  42.666  ;  oxide  of  iron  1.999  ;  wa- 
ter 0.510. — Bowen. 

Dist.  Char.  It  somewhat  resembles  zoisite,  but  the  infusibility 
and  great  hardness,  as  well  as  the  crystalline  form,  and  especially  the 
peculiar  cleavage  of  Sillimanite,  will  distinguish  it  from  this,  and  per- 
haps every  other  mineral. 

Obs.  The  analysis  of  this  species,  and  the  quantity  of  several  of 
its  angles,  has  induced  Prof.  Mohs,  to  conclude  that  it  may  be  a  vari- 
ety of  disthene-spar,  (Cyanite.)  But  we  may  remark,  that  minerals 
composed  of  entirely  different  constituents,  are  found  to  crystallize 
under  nearly  the  same  angles,  and  that  the  hardness  and  composition 
of  Sillimanite,  indicate  a  distinct  species.  The  varieties  of  cyanite 
yield  to  the  knife,  while  the  present  species  scratches  quartz,  and 
even  topaz.  Saussure  and  Laugier,  both  found  cyanite  to  contain 
lime.  Saussure,  found  also  2.30,  of  magnesia.  Klaproth  found  the 
same  mineral  to  contain  a  little  potash,  neither  of  which  belong  to 
Sillimanite. 
,  Local  Saybrook,  Conn,  in  a  vein  of  quartz,  penetrating  gneiss. 


CLrfSS  VI. 

NATIVE  METALS  AND  METALIFE- 
ROUS  MINERALS. 

This  Class  includes  the  native  metals,  together  with  the  ores,  or  metals 
combined  with  other  substances,  as  oxygen,  sulphur,  or  acids. 

Remark.  In  some  instances,  the  quantity  of  metal  does  not  amount 
to  more  than  one  third  of  the  whole  weight  ol  the  ore,  with  which  it 
is  arranged,  the  remainder  being  either  some  other  metallic  sub- 
stance, or  clay,  sulphur,  or  silex,  &/c. 

Genus  1.— PLATINA. 

This  metal  is  found  in  its  native  state,  and  also  combined  with  the 
metals,  iridium,  palladium,  and  rhodium. 

Species  I.    NATIVE  PLATINA. 

Native  Platina,  J.  P.  C.  A.  M.  Platina  Natif  Ferrifere,  H. 
Ext.  Char. — Color,  steel  grey,  approaching  to  silver 
white  ;  occurs  in  grains,  seldom  exceeding  the  size  of 
a  pea ;  hardness  nearly  equal  to  that  of  iron  ;  malle- 
able, and  may,  like  iron  be  welded ;  structure  some- 
times lameller;  but  more  often  not  obvious  ;  streak 
unchanged,  sp.  gr.  17.33. 

Chem.  Char  Infusible  by  the  blowpipe.  By  the  compound  blow- 
pipe, slowly  fusible.  Soluble  in  aqua  regia  only.  Not  oxidated  by 
exposure  to  the  air. 

Nothing  is  known  of  the  geological  situation  of  this  metal,  it  being 
found  only  in  small  grains  in  alluvial  deposits. 

Local.  South  America,  and  St.  Domingo,  but  chiefly  in  the  former, 
where  it  occurs  with  zircon,  iron  ore,  and  native  gold. 

Obs.  1.  Native  platina  is  not  perfectly  pure,  but  is  mixed  with  the 
metals  palladium,  iridium,  and  rhodium,  together  with  a  little  iron. 

2.  In  a  single  instance,  a  mass  of  platina  has  been  found  weighing 
lib.  9oz.  Idr.  Its  diameter  is  about  two  inches,  and  its  shape  nearly 
round.  It  was  found  in  Choco,  South  America,  and  is  preserved  in 
the  royal  museum  at  Madrid. — Phillips. 

Uses.  The  infusibility  of  this  metal  and  its  insolubility  in  most  of 
the  acids,  renders  it  extremely  valuable  in  the  construction  of  many 
useful  instruments,  In  chemistry  it  is  usgd  for  spoons,  forceps; 


NATIVE  GOLD.  175 

evaporating  dishes,  &c.  It  is  also  employed  in  the  construction 
of  philosophical  instruments,  for  naval  uses,  for  the  covering  of  other 
metals  to  prevent  their  rusting,  for  painting  porcelain  ware,  &/c. 

Genus  2.— GOLD. 

Gold,  likeplatina,  is  found  only  in  the  native  state,  though  often  alloy- 
ed with  other  metals 

Species  I.     NATIVE  GOLD. 
Native  Gold,  A.  P.  C.     HexahedraJ  Gold,  J.  M. 
Ext.  Char. — Color,  golden,  or  orange  yellow,  passing 
into  greyish  yellow ;  occurs  massive,  capillary,  amor- 
phous, dentritic,  and  crystallized,  in  cubes,   and  oc- 
tohedrons  with  various  modifications  ;  fracture  hackly  ; 
lustre  metallic;  soft  and  malleable,  sp.  gr.  14.85  to  19. 
25. 


Fig.  1.  The  octohedron. 

Fig.  2.  The  same  with  the  edges  truncated. 

Fig.  3.  The  rhombic  dodecahedron. 

Obs.  These  are  some  of  the  common  forms  under  which  crystalliz- 
ed gold  appears  ;  but  in  many  instances,  the  crystals  are  very  irregu- 
lar, and  their  geometrical  forms  difficult  to  determine.  The  crystals 
are  generally  minute. 

Chem.  Char.  It  is  soluble  in  nitro-muriatic  acid,  which  solution 
will  tinge  the  skin  of  an  indelible  purple.  Fusible  with  the  blow- 
pipe. 

Dist.  Char.  The  malleability  of  native  gold  will  distinguish  it  from 
iron  and  copper  pyrites,  and  from  yellow  mica,  for  each  of  which  it 
is  often  foolishly  mistaken. 

Obs.  1.  Gold  is  found  in  rocks,  and  in  alluvial  soils.  The  rocks,  ac- 
cording to  Kirvvan,  in  which  it  most  often  occurs,  are  granite,  or 
quartz,  slate,  hornstone,  sandstone,  and  limestone.  It  also  occurs  in 
veins  of  iron  ore,  antimony  ore,  barytes,  blende,  &c. 

2.  The  gold  of  commerce,  is  however,  almost  exclusively  found  in 
alluvial  deposits,  wheie  it  occurs  in  small  particles,  or  grains  called 
gold  dust. 

3.  According  to  Mawe,  the  gold  mines  of  Brazil  and  Africa,  are 
entirely  on  the  surface,  the  gold  being  separated  from  the  sand  and 
gravel,  among  which  it  is  found,  by  the  simple  act  of  washing. 

3.  In  Brazil,  aJone,  according  to  the  same  author,  above  twenty 


176  NATIVE  GOLD. 

tons'weightofgold,  are  annually  procured,  which  forms' a  large  share 
of  the  circulating  medium  of  Europe. 

4.  In  Africa,  gold  dust  is  an  article  of  commerce,  and  considera- 
ble quantities  are  exposed  for  sale,  or  to  exchange  for  commodi- 
ties. 

5.  The  gold  of  Africa,  is  often  adulterated  with  those  varieties  of 
pyrites,  which  are  nearest  its  color,  and  also  with  brass  filings. 

This  fraud  might  easily  be  detected,  by  throwing  the  dust  into  ni- 
tric acid,  which  would  dissolve  the  other  substances,  leaving  the  gold 
untouched. 

6.  Gold  is  found  in  greater  or  less  abundance,  in  almost  every 
part  of  the  globe.     Jameson  observes,  that  although  in  comparison 
with  iron,  gold  occurs  in  very  smajl  quantities,  yet  it  is  nearly  as 
widely  distributed  in  nature. 

7.  In  some  rare  instances  considerable  masses  of  gold  have  been 
found.     In  1730  a  mass  was  found  in  Peru  weighing  451b.     In  Par- 
aguay, several  masses  are  said  to  have  occurred  weighing  from  20  to 
501b. — Cleaveland  mentions  a  mass  found  on  Meadow  Creek,  N.  Car- 
olina,  which  weighed  28Ib,  and  Phillips  mentions  one  which  occurred 
in  Wicklow,  Ireland,  weighing  22  ounces. 

8.  In  the  viceroyalty  of  La  Plata  in  South  America,  there  are 
thirty  gold  mines,  or  workings. 

9.  The  mines  of  Hungary  are  said  to  be  the   most  valuable  in 
Europe. 

10.  The  gold  mines  of  the  United  States,  are  confined  to  the  state 
of  North  Carolina.      According  to  the  statement  of  Prof.  Olmsted, 
(Sill.  Jour,  vol.  9.)  the  gold  country  is  spread  over  a  space  of  not 
less  than  a  thousand  square  miles,  in  that  state. 

Reed's  Mwe>  in  Cabarras  County,  where  the  large  mass  above 
mentioned  was  found,  has  also  afforded  many  smaller  pieces  weigh- 
ing from  four  to  six  hundred  penny  weights. 

Anson  Mine,  is  situated  in  the  county  of  Anson,  on  the  waters  of 
Jlichardson's  creek.  This  locality  was  discovered  three  years  since. 

Parker's  Mine,  is  situated  on  a  small  stream,  near  the  Yadkin  riv- 
er. 

These  three  mines  are  regularly  wrought,  by  making  excavations 
a  few  feet  below  the  surface,  and  washing  the  earth  in  a  manner  simi- 
lar to  the  process  used  in  South  America  for  the  same  purpose.  The 
prevailing  rock  in  the  gold  country  is  argillite.  The  country  is  of  a 
diluvial  formation,  consisting  of  clay  and  sand,  generally  barren  and 
the  inhabitants  poor. 

It  is  not  easy,  observes  Prof.  Olmsted,  to  ascertain  the  precise 
amount  of  gold  which  these  mines  have  afforded,  as  it  is  sold  to  mer- 
chants, and  others,  in  small  quantities,  by  individuals. 

In  1820,  the  mint  of  the  United  States  had  received  to  the  amount 
of  forty-three  thousand  six  hundred  eighty -nine  dollars  of  this  gold, 

Var.\.    ARGENTIFEROUS  GOLD. 

Argentiferous  Gold,  P. 

Ext  Char, — Color,  brass  yellow,  passing  into  silver 
white;  occurs  in  tabular  crystals,  and  in  cubes. 


MERCURY.        AMALGAM.  177 

Chem.  Char.  Fusible  into  a  pale  yellow  globule.     Neither  nitric, 
nor  nitro-muriatic  acid  has  the  least  effect  on  it. — Phillips. 
Comp.  Gold  64  ;  silver  36.—Klaproth. 
Local.  Siberia,  with  hornstone  and  sulphate  of  barytes. 

Genus  3.— MERCURY. 

Mercury  is  found  native,  also  combined  with  sulphur,  forming  a 
sulphuret  of  mercury  :  with  muriatic  acid  forming  a  muriate  of  mer- 
cury ;  and  with  silver,  forming  a  native  amalgam. 

Species  1.  NATIVE  MERCURY. 

Native  Mercury,  J.     Native  Quicksilver,  A.  P.  C.      Dodecahedral 
Mercury.  M. 

Ext.  Char. — Color,  silver  white  ;  occurs  in  small  glo- 
bules ;  perfectly  fluid ;  feels  cold  to  the  touch  ;  lustre 
splendent ;  sp.  gr.  1 3. 

Chem.  Char.  Becomes  volatile  when  heated,  and  flies  off  in  white 
vapor. 

Comp.  Mercury,  nearly  or  quite  pure. 

It  is  found  in  small  quantities  among  the  ores  of  mercury.  In 
Idria,  it  occurs  in  limestone  and  sandstone. 

Species  2.  NATIVE  AMALGAM. 

Native  Amalgam,  P.     Silver  Amalgam,  A.     Argental  Mercury,  C. 
Dodecahedral  Mercury,  M      Mercure  Argeritnl,  H. 

Ext.  Char. — Color,  silver  white,  or  greyish,  often  tar- 
nished externally  ;  occurs  massive  lamelliform,  in 
plates,  and  in  crystals ;  form  the  octohedron,  and  rhom- 
bic dodecahedron  ;  fracture  flat  conchoidal ;  lustre 
shining ;  sometimes  semi-fluid ;  cleavage  none ;  whi- 
tens the  surface  of  polished  copper,  when  rubbed  on 
it :  sp.  gr.  10.5. 

Chem.  Char.  Before  the  blowpipe  the  mercury  flies  off  in  white 
smoke,  leaving  a  globule  of  pure  silver. 

Comp.  Mercury  64  ;  silver  36. — Klaproth. 

Dist.  Char.  Its  want  of  ductility  will  distinguish  it  from  native 
silver. 

Local.  Hungary,  Siberia,  and  Sweden.  It  is  found  with  native 
mercury,  and  cinnabar. 

Species  3.  SULPHURET  OF  MERCURY.  CINNABAR. 

Cinnabar,  J.  A.  P.     Mercure  Sulphtire,  H.      Sulphuret  of  Mercury, 
C.     Pentomous  Ruby-Blende,  M. 

Ext.  Char. — Color,  scarlet  or  carmine,  passing  into 
cochineal  red,  and  lead  grey ;  occurs  massive  and  crys- 

23 


178  SULPHURET  OF  MERCURY.      CINNABAR. 

tallized  in  acute  rhomboids,  variously  modified  ;  trans- 
lucent, or  opake ;  streak  scarlet  red  ;  lustre  adaman- 
tine, inclining  to  metallic ;  fracture  granular,  or  fibrous ; 
sp.  gr.  8. 

Obs.  It  sometimes  occurs  in  thin  plates,  or  tabular  crystals,  and 
rarely  in  imitative  shapes. 

Chem.  Char.  It  is  volatile  before  the  blowpipe,  with  the  odor  of 
sulphur. 

Comp    Mercury  84.5  ;  sulphur  14.75. — Klaproth. 

Dist.  Char.  From  red  silver  ore,  sulphuret  of  arsenic,  red  oxide  of 
copper,  and  arseniate  of  cobalt,  it  is  distinguished  by  entirely  disap- 
pearing before  the  blowpipe,  without  the  odor  of  garlic,  or  without 
leaving  a  metallic  globule. 

Var.   1.    HEPATIC  CINNABAR. 

Hepatic  Cinnabar,  A.  P.    Compact  Salphuret  of  Mercury,  or  Cinna- 
bar, C. 

Ext.  Char. — Color,  dark  red,  passing  into  lead  grey  ; 
occurs  in  compact  masses ;  fracture  compact,  fine 
grained  ;  receives  a  polish  by  friction  ;  lustre  glimmer- 
ing ;  easily  broken ;  opake ;  sp.  gr.  about  7. 

Chem.  Char.  It  gives  a  bituminous  odor  under  the  blowpipe,  and 
evaporates,  leaving  a  small  residuum. 

Comp.  Cinnabar  95.5  ;  carbon  2.3  ;  silex  0.6 ;  alumine  0.5 ;  ox- 
ide of  copper  0.2. — Klaproth. 

Var.  2.   FIBROUS  CINNABAR.  A.  C. 

Ext.  Char. — Color,  scarlet  red,  often  with  a  tinge  of 
yellow  ;  occurs  massive  ;  structure  fibrous  ;  lustre  shi- 
ning silky ;  soils  the  fingers  ;  often  invests  other  mine- 
rals. 

3.  Slaty  Cinnabar.  This  variety  scarcely  differs  from  the  others, 
except  in  possessing  irregular  smooth  faces,  having  a  slaty  appear- 
ance when  broken. 

Local.  Upper  Carinthia,  in  gneiss.  Transylvania,  in  grey  wacke. 
Its  most  important  repositories  are  Idria,  in  Carniola,  and  Alman- 
din  in  Spain.  At  Idria  the  mine  has  been  wrought  several  centu- 
ries, and  is  now  many  hundred  feet  under  the  surface  of  the  earth.  A 
great  proportion  of  the  mercury  of  commerce  is  obtained  from  this  lo- 
cality. It  occurs  in  beds  of  bituminous  shale,  associated  with  black 
mineral  resin,  grey  sandstone,  and  limestone.  The  product  of  this 
mine  has  chiefly  been  sold  to  Spain,  by  a  stipulation  between  the 
Germari  and  Spanish  Governments. 

The  h^ines  of  Almandin  occur  in  a  mountain  clay-slate,  and  shale, 
and  have  fyeen  worked  more  than  two  thousand  years. 

In  South  America,  there  are  several  quick  silver  mines,  but  the 


MURIATE  OF  MERCURY.      NATIVE  SILVER.  179 

quantity  of  metal  which  they  produce,  is  small  when  compared  with 
those  already  mentioned. 

U.  &.  On  the  borders  of  the  lakes  Huron,  Michigan,  St.  Clair, 
and  Erie,  and  at  the  mouth  of  Verrnillion  river,  cinnabar  occurs  in 
the  form  of  a  dark  red  sand,  which  according  to  Mr.  Stickney,  yields 
about  60  per  cent,  of  mercury. 

Mode  of  obt  ining  Mercury  from  the  Cinnabar.  The  cinnabar 
being  mixed  with  iron  filings,  or  lime,  and  placed  in  retorts  ;  on  the 
application  of  heat,  the  sulphur  unites  with  the  iron  filings  or  lime, 
while  the  mercury  being  thus  disengaged,  is  distilled  over  in  its  pure 
state. 

Uses.  A  great  proportion  of  the  mercury  of  commerce  is  employed 
for  the  extraction  of  silver  from  its  ores  by  amalgamation.  Accor- 
ding to  Humboldt,  the  quantity  employed  in  South  America  for  this 
purpose  amounts  to  about  twenty-five  thousand  quintals  annually. 

Mercury  is  also  used  in  the  construction  of  two  of  the  most  impor- 
tant among  philosophical  instruments,  the  barometer  and  thermom- 
eter ;  when  united  with  tin  foil,  it  forms  the  amalgam  placed  over  the 
backs  of  looking  glasses.  It  is  also  used  in  the  process  of  gilding, 
and  in  medicine  it  is  the  basis  of  several  preparations  of  the  highest 
value,  and  for  which  there  is  no  substitute. 

Species  4.  MURIATE  OF  MERCURY. 

Horn  Silver,  A.  P.     Muriate  of  Mercury,  C.     Mercure  Muriate,  H, 
Pyramidal  Pearl-Kerate,  M. 

Ext.  Char. — Colors,  greyish  white,  yellowish  white, 
and  ash  grey  ;  occurs  massive  and  crystallized,  in  four- 
sided  prisms,  terminated  by  four-sided  pyramids,  with 
rhombic  faces,  also  in  crystalline  crusts  ;  translucent ; 
streak  white  ;  crystals  very  small  5  lustre  adamantine  ; 
fracture  conchoidal ;  yields  to  the  knife ;  sp.  gr.  6.4. 

Chem   Char.  Volatile  before  the  blowpipe. 

Comp.  Oxide  of  Mercury  88.48  ;  muriatic  acid  11.52. — Mohs. 

Dist.  Char.  The  muriate  of  silver,  which  it  most  resembles,  is  soft, 
and  leaves  a  globule  of  the  metal  under  the  blowpipe. 

Local.  Idria  in  Germany,  and  Almandin  in  Spain,  in  cavities  of 
sandstone,  or  clay,  with  cinnabar. 

Genus  i.— SILVER. 

Silver  is  found  native,  also  combined  with  sulphur,  and  muriatic 
acid,  forming  sulphuret  and  muriate  of  silver.  It  likewise  exists  in 
themetallic  state  combined  or  mixed  with  several  other  metals. 

Species  1.  NATIVE  SILVER. 

Argent  natif,   H,      Hexahedral  Silver,  J.   M. .      Natire  Silrer,  A. 

P.  C. 

Ext.  Char. — Color,  silver  white,  often  tarnished  grey 


180  ANTIMONIAL  SILVER. 

or  reddish ;  occurs  dentiform  capillary,  ramose,  mas- 
sive, reticulated,  and  in  plates  and  spangles  ;  also  crys- 
tallized in  cubes  and  octohedrons ;  sp.  gr.  10  to  10.5 

Chem  Char.  Fusible  into  a  globule.  Soluble  in  nitric  acid,  form- 
ing a  solution  which  tinges  the  skin  indelible  black. 

Comv.  Silver,  with  a  little  iron,  antimony,  copper,  or  arsenic. 

Di*t.  Char.  Its  color  and  malleability,  will  always  distinguish  it. 

It  is  found  in  primitive,  and  secondary  rocks,  with  the  ores  of  sil- 
ver, copper,  cobalt,  &,c. 

Lical.  Saxony  and  Suabia,  in  gneiss  and  mica  slate.  Bohemia, 
Norway,  Ireland.  In  several  places  in  England,  and  in  many  of  the 
mines  in  South  America. 

U.S.  Huntington,  Cow.  with  native  bismuth.  Near  Portsmouth, 
N.  H.  a  single  mass  has  been  found.  Near  Sing  Sing,  N.  Y.  in  a 
small  vein. 

Obs.  1.  Native  silver  often  occurs  penetrating  crystals,  or  amor- 
phous pieces  of  common  quartz.  These,  when  the  quartz  is  trans- 
parent, are  sometimes  cut  into  various  shapes,  and  polished  as  cabinet 
specimens,  or  curiosities,  and  are  often  very  beautiful. 

2.  In  several  instances,  large  masses  of  native  silver  have  been 
found.  Thus  many  years  since,  a  mass  occured  near  Freyberg  in 
Saxony,  weighing  lOOlb.  Iqr.  Another  mass  was  found  in  the  mine 
of  Konsberg,  which  weighed  5601b  ;  and  Jameson  mentions  a  block  of 
the  same  metal  discovered  in  the  mine  of  Schneeberg  in  Saxony, 
which  was  so  large,  that  Duke  Albert  descended  into  the  mine  and 
made  use  of  it  as  a  dinner  table.  This  huge  mass  when  smelted,  pro- 
duced four  hundred  centners,  (a  centner  being  one  hundred  and  ten 
pounds,)  of  pure  silver. 

Var.  1.  AURiFinous  NATIVE  SILVER. 
Auriferous  Native  Silver,  J.  K.  C.  A.  P. 
Ext.  Char. — Color  yellowish  white,   approaching  to 
brass  yellow ;  occurs  disseminated,  membranous,  ca- 
pillary, in  plates,  and  crystallized  in  cubes. 

Comp    Silver  72  ;  gold  28.—Fordi/ce. 

Local.  Konsberg  in  Norway,  and  in  Siberia,  in  primitive  rocks. 

Species  2.     ANTIMONIAL  SILVER. 

Antiraonial  Silver,  J.  P.   A.  C.     Argent  antimonial,  H.     Prismatic 
Antimony,  M. 

Ext.  Char. — Color  silver  or  tin  white;  occurs  mas- 
sive, in  grains,  and  in  hexahedral  prisms,  or  cylin- 
ders ;  also  in  curved  laminae  ;  lustre  metallic  ;  yields 
to  the  knife  ;  fracture  conchoidal ;  not  malleable ;  sp. 
gr.  9.  to  10. 

Chem  Char.  Fusible,  with  the  emission  of  antimonial  vapor,  into 
a  globule  of  silver.1 


ARSEN1CO-ANTIMONIAL  SILVER.    BISMUTHIC  SILVER.       181 

Comp.  Silver  84  ;  antimony  14. — Klaprotk. 

Dist.  Char.  It  is  distinguished  from  native  silver  by  its  want  of 
ductility,  and  the  antimonial  vapor,  under  the  blowpipe  ;  from  arsen- 
ical iron,  and  arsenical  cobalt,  by  its  want  of  the  garlic  odor,  when 
heated,  and  from  white  cobalt  ore  by  not  giving  a  blue  globule  with 
borax. 

It  is  found  in  granite  and  clay-slate,  associated  with  the  other  ores 
of  silver. 

Local  Spain,  Suabia,  the  Hartz,  Allemont,  in  France. 

It  is  a  rare  mineral. 

Species  3.     ARSENICO-ANTIMONIAL  SILVER. 
Arsenical  Silver,  C.     Arsenical  Antimonial  Silver,  P.  A.     Argent 

Arsenical,  B. 

Ext.  Char. — Color,  nearly  silver  white,  externally, 
with  a  blackish  tarnish;  occurs  in  globular  arid  reni- 
form  masses  ;  structure  imperfectly  foliated  ;  sectile  ; 
brittle ;  lustre  metallic  and  shining  ;  sp.  gr.  9.44. 

Chem.  Char.  Fusible,  with  the  emission  of  antimonial  and  arseni- 
cal vapors,  and  the  odor  of  garlic  ;  a  globule  of  silver  remaining. 

Dist.  Char.  It  is  softer  than  arsenical  iron,  which  leaves  a  mag- 
netic globule,  instead  of  one  of  silver,  after  the  action  of  the  blowpipe. 
It  does  not  tarnish  so  soon  as  native  arsenic. 

Remark.  Jameson  says,  that  it  passes  on  the  one  side  into  native 
arsenic,  and  on  the  other  into  native  silver. 

Local  Andreasberg,  in  the  Hartz,  with  native  arsenic,  and  the 
ores  of  lead  and  zinc. 

Species  4.     BISMUTHIC  SILVER. 
Molybdena-Silver,  J.  M.     Molybdic  Silver,  P. 
Ext.  Char. — Color,  light  steel  grey,  passing  into  tin 
white ;  occurs  in  crystalline  masses,  and  in  six-sided 
prisms  :  lustre  metallic  ;  structure  foliated  ;  cleavage 
parallel  to  the  planes  of  the  crystals ;  soft,  and  some- 
what elastic  ;  powder  iron  black  ;  sp.  gr.  7.82. 

Chem.  Char.  Fusible  into  small  globules,  which  become  yellow 
and  tarnished,  and  are  finally  entirely  volatalized.  Soluble  in  nitric 
acid. 

Comp.  Bismuth  95  ;  sulphur  5. — Klaproth. 

Remarks.  The  specimen  examined  by  Klaproth,  under  the  name 
of  the  molybdic  silver,  must  have  been  an  entirely  different  mineral, 
as  it  contained  neither  molybdic  acid  nor  silver  ;  yet  this  analysis  is 
quoted  both  by  Phillips  arid  Mohs,  as  the  only  one  appertaining  to 
this  mineral.  It  is  most  probable,  therefore,  that  if  any  such  mineral 
exists,  as  molybdic  silver,  no  analysis  of  it  has  yet  been  given  the 
public.  It  was,  therefore,  thought  proper  to  change  the  name  of  this 
species,  from  molybdic  to  bismuthic  silver,  so  as  to  make  the.  name 
agree  with  the  composition. 


182  SULPHURET  OF  SILVER. 

Species  5.     SULPHURET  OF  SILVER. 

Argent  Sulphure,  H.     Hexahedral   Silver-Glance,  J.  M.     Sulphuret 
of  Silver,  A.  P.  C. 

Ext.  Char.  —  Color,  dark  lead  grey,  often  with  a  irri- 
descent  tarnish  ;  occurs  in  cubes,  and  octohedrons  ; 
also  recticulated,  ramose,  lamelliform,  amorphous,  and 
in  plates  ;  lustre  metallic  ;  cleavage  imperfect  ;  frac- 
ture flat  conchoidal  ;  malleable  ;  easily  sectile  ;  sp. 
gr.7. 

Che.m.  Char.  Fusible  with  intumescence,  and  odor  of  sulphur,  tear- 
ing a  globule  of  silver. 

Comp.  ISilver  85  ;  sulphur  15.  —  Klaproth.  + 

Dist.  Char.  From  native  silver,  it  may  be  known  by  its  less  sp. 
gr.  and  its  sulphurous  odor  under  the  blowpipe. 

It  occurs  in  primitive  and  secondary  rocks,  and  is  associated  with 
the  other  ores  of  silver. 

Local.  Freyberg,  Bohemia,  many  places  in  Peru,  and  Mexico,  the 
Hartz,  Cornwall,  and  other  places  in  England,  and  in  Lower  Austria. 

U.  S.  Livingston's  lead  mine,  Columbia  County,  N.  ¥. 

Obs.  The  present  species  is  found  in  almost  every  silver  mine,  in 
greater  or  less  quantity,  and  is  an  important  ore  for  the  extraction  of 
silver. 


.  1.       BLACK  SULPHURET  OF  SILVER. 

Earthy  Hexahedral  Silver-Glance,  J.     Sooty  Silver  Ore,  K.     Black 
Sulphuret  of  Silver,  A.  P.     Silver  Black,  C. 

Ext.  Char.  —  Color,  dark  lead  grey,  inclining  to  black; 
lustre  feeble  ;  occurs  massive  ;  pulverulent  ;  investing 
and  filling  the  cavities  of  other  ores  of  silver  ;  fracture 
dull  and  earthy  ;  sectile  ;  streak  shining  and  metallic, 

Chem.  Char.  Fusible  into  a  slag,  containing  globules  of  silver. 
Comp.  Unknown. 

It  is  found  among  the  other  ores  of  silver,  and  with  native  gold, 
and  is  a  rich  ore. 

Local.  Saxony,  France,  Mexico,  Peru,  Cornwall,  &c. 

Var.  2.       FLEXIBLE  SULPHURET  OF  SILVER. 

Flexible  Sulphuret  of  Silver,  P.  M. 

Ext.  Char.  —  Color,  dark,  nearly  black  ;  occurs  mas- 
sive, and  in  small  tabular  crystals,  which  are  very  flex- 
ible ;  cleavage  perfect,  parallel  to  the  terminal  planes  ; 
lustre  metallic  ;  yields  readily  to  the  knife  ;  easily  sepa- 
rable into  thin  laminae. 

Comp.  Silver,  sulphur,  and  a  little  iron,  the  proportions  un- 
known. 

Local.  Hungary  and  Saxony,  very  rare. 


SULPHURETTED  ANTIMONIAL  SILVER.  183 

Var.  3.       BRITTLE  SULPHURET  OF  SILVER. 

Brittle  Silver-Glance,  J.     Brittle  Sulphuret  of  Silver,   A.  P.     Brittle 
Sulphuretted  Antimonial  Silver,  C.     Prismatic  Melane-Glance,  M. 

Ext.  Char. — Colors,  dark  lead  grey,  or  bluish  grey, 
passing  into  iron  black ;  occurs  massive  arid  dissemi- 
nated ;  also  in  hexahedral  prisms,  with  truncated  ter- 
minal edges,  and  so  short  as  to  become  lenticular  ;  lus- 
tre metallic,  or  dull ;  structure  foliated  ;  crystals  most- 
ly intercept  each  other  ;  soit  and  brittle  ;  fracture  con- 
choidal;  sp.  gr.  7. 

Chem.  Char.  Fusible  with  the  evaporation  of  sulphur,  arsenic,  and 
antimony,  into  a  globule  of  silver,  surrounded  by  a  slag.  Soluble  in 
nitric  acid. 

Comp.  Silver  66.5  ;  antimony  10  ;  iron  5  ;  sulphur  12  ;  arsenic 
and  copper  5. — Klaproth. 

Dist.  Char.  It  differs  from  black  sulphuret  of  silver,  by  giving  out 
antimonial  and  arsenical  fumes  when  heated.  From  sulphuret  of  sil- 
ver, in  its  want  of  malleability,  and  from  arsenico-antimonial  silver,  by 
its  darker  color  and  brittleness. 

It  is  found  in  primitive  rocks  with  the  other  ores  of  silver,  and  is  a 
rich  ore. 

Local.  Near  Freyberg,  in  Saxony.  Bohemia,  and  Hungary. 

Species  6.     SULPHURETTED  ANTIMONIAL  SILVER. 

Argent  Antimoine  Sulphure,  H.  Red  Silver,  J.  A.  P.     Sulphuretted 

Antimonial  Silver,  C.     Rhomboidal  Ruby-Blende,  M. 

Ext.  Char. — Color,  red,  of  various  shades,  passing  in- 
to lead  grey,  and  greyish  black ;  powder  crimson  red  ; 
occurs  in  masses  and  grains,  also  dentritic,  mem- 
branous, capillary,  and  crystallized,  in  hexahedral 
prisms,  terminated  by  hexahedral  pyramids,  variously 
modified  by  truncation  ;  also  in  double  six-sided  pyr- 
amids, with  the  edges  replaced ;  lustre  metallic  ada- 
mantine ;  crystals  often  striated ;  structure  imperfect- 
ly foliated ;  yields  to  the  knife  ;  translucent,  opake ; 
sp.  gr.  5.20.  to  6.68. 


Fig.  4.  A  six-sided  prism,  terminated  by  three-sided  pyramids,  the 
faces  of  which  stand  alternately  on  the  lateral  edges  of  the  prism. 


184       SULPH.  SIL.  AND  COPPER.     EUCAIRITE.     CARB.  SILVER. 

Fig.  5.  A  double  six-sided  pyramid,  with  the  acute  angles  trunca- 
ted. 

Fig.  0.  A  dodecahedron,  or  double  six-sided  pyramid  with  the 
summits  truncated,  or  replaced  by  three  planes 

Chem.  Char.  Fusible  with  antimonial  fumes,  into  a  globule  of 
silver. 

Comp.  Silver  60  ;  antimony  20.3  ;  sulphur  14.7  ;  oxygen  5. — Kla- 
proth. 

Dist.  Char.  From  sulphuret  of  arsenic,  it  differs  in  having  a  great- 
er specific  gravity,  and  in  leaving  a  globule  of  silver.  Sulphuret  of 
mercury  is  entirely  dissipated  by  the  blowpipe.  The  sulphuret  of  sil- 
ver is  malleable.  Specular  oxide  of  iron,  after  being  submitted  to  the 
blowpipe  is  magnetic,  and  the  red  oxide  of  copper  is  easily  reduced  to 
the  metallic  state  by  the  blowpipe. 

It  is  found  chiefly  in  granite,  mica-slate,  and  porphyry. 

Local.  Saxony,  Bohemia,  Transylvania,  Spain,  Italy,  and  very 
abundantly  in  Mexico,  and  Peru. 

O65.  It  is  a  valuable  ore  for  the  extraction  of  silver. 

Species  7.     SULPHURET  OF  SILVER  AND  COPPER. 
Cupreous  Sulphuret  of  Silver,  C.  Sulphuret  of  Silver  and  Copper,  P. 
Ext.Char. — Color,  lead  grey,  or  iron  black ;  lustre 
shining  ;  fracture  conchoidal ;  brittle  ;  sp.  gr.  6.25. 

Chem.  Char.  Fusible  into  an  impure  globule  of  silver. 
Comp.  Silver  52.27  ;  copper  30.47  ;  iron  0.33  ;  sulphur  15.78.— 
Stromeyer. 
Local.  Schalangenberg,  in  Siberia. 

Species  8.     EUCAIRITE. 

Seleniuret  of  Silver  and  Copper,  P.    Cupreous  Seleniuret  of  Silver, 
C.     Eucairite,  Berzelius.  M. 

Ext.  Char. — -Color,  lead  grey  ;  lustre  metallic  ;  tex- 
ture granular ;  yields  to  the  knife,  leaving  a  silvery 
lustre. 

Chem.  Char.  Fusible  with  a  strong  odor  like  that  of  horse  radish, 
into  a  grey  metallic  globule  ;  soluble  in  nitric  acid. 

Comp.  Silver  38.93  ;  selenium  26  ;  copper  23.05  ;  foreign  sub- 
stances 8.90. — Berzelius. 

Local.  In  a  copper  mine  in  Smoland,  Sweden, 

Species  9.     CARBONATE  OF  SILVER. 
Argent  Carbonatee,  H.     Carbonate  of  Silver,  J.  C.  P.  A. 
Ext.  Char. — Color,  grey,  or  blackish  grey ;  occurs 
massive  and  disseminated ;  fracture  uneven ;  texture 
fine  grained,    lustre  glistening  metallic  ;  brittle. 
Chem.  Char.  Fusible,  and  easily  reduced.     Effervesces  in  acids. 


MURIATE  OP  SILVER.  185 

Comp.  Silver  72.5 ;  carbonic  acid  12 :  oxide  of  antimony  and  a 
trace  of  copper  15.5. 

Local.  Furstenberg,  Swabia,  in  sulphate  of  barytes.  It  is  a  very 
rare  ore. 

Species  10.     MURIATE  OF  SILVF.R. 

Argent  Muriate,  H.     Hexahedral  Corneous  Silver,  J.     Muriate  of 
Silver,  P.  C.     Horn  Silver,  A.     Hexahedral  Pearl-Kerate,  M. 

Ext.  Char. — Color,  pearl  grey,  greenish  or  reddish 
blue,  yellowish  or  greenish  white  and  brown  ;  occurs 
massive,  investing  other  minerals,  reniform,  amorphous, 
and  crystallized  in  cubes,  octohedrons,  and  acicu- 
lar  prisms,  variously  modified ;  lustre  glistening  and 
waxy ;  soft,  yields  to  pressure ;  malleable ;  feebly 
translucent ;  becomes  brown  externally  by  exposure  ; 
sp.  gr.  5.5. 

Chem.  Char.  Fusible  in  the  flame  of  a  candle.  Under  the  blow- 
pipe, emits  muriatic  acid  fumes,  and  is  reduced  to  a  globule  of  silver. 
Rubbed  on  moistened  zinc,  it  leaves  a  film  of  silver. 

Comp.  Muriate  of  silver  88.7  ;  oxide  ot  iron  6  ;  alumine  1.75 ;  sul- 
phuric acid  0.25. — Klaproth. 

Dist.  Char.  The  muriate  of  mercury  which  it  resembles,  is  entire- 
ly volatile  before  the  blowpipe.  The  present  species  leaves  a  silver 
globule. 

It  is  found  in  primitive  rocks,  with  the  other  ores  of  silver. 

Local.  Friberg,  in  Saxony.  Hungary,  in  several  mines,  South 
America,  Cornwall,  England,  Siberia,  Spain,  and  France. 

It  is  a  good  ore  for  the  extraction  of  silver. 

Subsp.  1.     ARGILLACEOUS  MURIA  TE  OF  SILVER. 

Buttermilk  Silver,  A.  P.     Argillaceous  Muriate  of  Silver,  C. 

Ext.  Char. — Colors,  brownish  white,  greenish  white,  or 

pale  green,   externally  bluish  or  brownish  ;    occurs 

massive,  and  coating  other  minerals  ;  fracture  earthy ; 

opake ;  soft,  sometimes  nearly  fluid. 

Chem.  Char,  It  feebly  agglutinates  under  the  blowpipe,  while  mi- 
nute globules  of  silver  flow  from  the  mass. 

Comp.  Silver  24  64  ;  muriatic  acid  8.28  ;  alumine  with  a  trace  of 
copper  67.08. — Klaproth. 

Local.  Andreasberg,  in  the  Hartz. 

Obs.  1.  Silver  was  probably  unknown  to  the  antediluvians,  as  it  is 
no  where  mentioned  in  the  writings  of  Moses,  who  only  speaks  of 
brass  and  iron,  among  the  metals.  In  the  time  of  Abraham,  it  ap- 
pears to  have  been  an  article  of  common  traffic,  in  the  form  of  bars 
and  ingots  — Calmet. 

2.  According  to  Humboldt,  the  late  annual  product  of  the  South 

24 


186 


NATIVE  COPPER. 


American  silver  mines  may  be  estimated  at  more  than  32  millions  of 
dollars. 

3.  According  to  Shaw,  the  quantity  of  gold  and  silver  extracted 
from  the  American  mines  from  1492  to  1803,  has  been  equal  in  value 
to  6,7(16,700,000  dollars,  of  which  immense  sum  it  is  estimated,  that 
including  the  booty  which  the  Spaniards  took  from  the    natives, 
about  5,445,000,000  was  carried  to  Europe,  making  a  yearly  average. 
of  17  millions  and  a  half  for  311  years. 

4.  The  annual  importation  of  these  metals  from  South  America  to 
Europe  has  been  constantly  increasing.     From  1492  to  1500,  the 
yearly  importation  did  not  exceed  250,000  dollars.     From  1500  to 
154/i,   it  amounted  to  3,000.000.     From   1545   to    1600,   it   was 
11,000,000.     From   1600  to  1700,  to  16,000,000.     From  1700  to 
1750,  22,000,000  and  a  half.     And  lastly,  from  1750  to  1803,  the 
annual  amount  was  35,300,000  dollars. 

Humboldt  calculates  the  weight  of  silver  raised  from  these  mines 
in  three  centuries,  to  have  been  316  million  of  pounds. 

Genus  5.— COPPER. 

Copper  is  found  native,  also  combined  with  sulphur,  with  oxygen, 
carbonic  acid,  arsenic  acid,  sulphuric  acid,  muriatic  acid,  and  with 
several  of  the  metals.  Its  ores  are  very  numerous,  and  many  of  them 
highly  beautiful  and  interesting. 

Uses.  Copper  next  to  iron,  is  probably  the  most  indispensible  metal, 
to  the  wants  of  man.  Its  uses  are  various  and  generally  known. 
Brass,  a  compound,  in  universal  use.  is  composed  of  copper  and 
zinc.  Bell  metal,  bronze,  pinchbeck,  speculum  metal,  and  many  other 
useful  compounds  are  alloys  of  copper,  with  various  other  metals.  Its 
salts  and  oxides  are  employed  as  paints,  in  coloring,  and  enameling, 
&c. 

Species  1.     NATIVE  COPPER. 

Cuivre  Natif,   H.      Native  Copper,  A.  P.   C.      Octohedral  Cop- 
per, J.  M. 

Ext.  Char. —  Color,  copper  red,  tarnished  externally 
brownish  black ;  occurs  dentritic,  capillary,  reniform, 
and  amorphous;  also  crystallized  in  cubes,  and  octohe- 
drous,  variously  modified  by  truncation ;  malleable  ; 
sp  gr.  8  5. 

Cherrt.  Char.  Fusible.  Soluble  in  acids,  forming  salts  which  give 
a  beautiful  blue  when  mixed  with  liquid  ammonia. 

Comp.  Copper,  nearly  or  quite  pure. 
It  is  found  in  the  veins  of  primitive  and  secondary  rocks. 

Local.  Siberia,  Swabia,  Saxony,  Norway,  and  in  many  of  the  cop- 
per rr.-nes  in  England. 

U.  S.  Monroe  County,  Illinois.  Near  Lake  Superior,  North 
West  Territory,  a  mass  was  found  weighing  by  estimation  2,2001bs. 


SULPHURET  OF  COPPER.  187 

— Schoolcraft.  Orange  County,  Fir.  Blue  Ridge,  Md.  Adams 
County,  Penn.  Woodbridge,  N.  J.  Hamden  Hills,  Conn,  a  mass 
was  found  weighing  about  901bs.  Also  12  miles  irom  New  Haven, 
another  mass  was  found  of  Gibs,  weight. — Silliman. 

Specis  2.     SULPHURET  OF  COPPER. 

Cuivre  Sulphure,  H.     Sulphuret  of  Copper,  A.  P.  C.     Rhomboidai 
Copper-Glance,  J.     Prismatic  Copper-Glance,  M. 

Ext.  Char. — Color,  blackish  lead  grey,  sometimes  ir- 
ridescent ;  internally  lead  grey,  or  tin  white ;  occurs 
massive,  and  in  pseudomorphous  crystals ;  also  crys- 
tallized in  long  tabular  six-sided  prisms,  variously  mo- 
dified, and  in  obtuse,  and  acute  double  six-sided  pyra- 
mids, with  the  summits  often  truncated ;  structure  per- 
fectly lameller ;  cleavage  easy,  with  brilliant  faces ; 
easily  broken  into  grains ;  crystals  small  and  grouped ; 
the  massive  sectile,  passing  into  hard ;  fracture  con- 
choidal ;  sp.  gr.  about  5. 

Chem.  Char.  Fusible  with  the  odor  of  sulphur,  into  a  greyish  me- 
tallic globule.     Soluble  in  hot  nitric  acid. 
N  Comp.  Copper  76.50  ;  sulphur  22  ;  iron  0.50  — Klaproth. 

Dist.  Char.  Grey  copper  decrepitates  under  the  blowpipe,  and  is 
harder  than  the  present  species.  Grey  antimonial  copper,  gives  out 
the  fumes  or  antimony.  Red  oxide  of  copper  is  easily  known  from  it, 
by  the  difference  of  color. 

Var.  1.    PSEUDO-MORPHOUS  SULPHURET  OP  COPPER. 

Cuivre  Sulphure  Pseudo-morphique,  H. 

Ext.  Char. — Color,  blackish  lead  grey,  occurs  lenti- 
cular, or  in  small  oval,  flattened  masses,  formed  of 
scales  resembling  the  small  cones  of  the  pine  tree,  or 
ears  of  corn  flattened;  hence  it  has  been  called  fossil 
corn  ears,  and  was  supposed  by  Linnaeus,  to  be  a  vege- 
table substance  penetrated  by  copper.  It  also,  gene- 
rally contains  a  little  silver. 

Local.  Frankenberg,  in  Hesse. 

Var.  2.      VARIEGATED  VITREOUS  COPPER. 

Cuivre  Sulphure  Hepatique,  H. 

Ext.  Char. — Colors,  violet  blue,  greenish,  and  yellow- 
ish ;  sometimes  resembles  tempered  steel. 
Local  Mont  Blanc,  and  Cornwall, 


188 


FERRUGINOUS  SULPHURET  OP  COPPER. 


.  •  •  Var.  3.     BLACK  COPPER. 

^  .  Black  Copper,  A.  P.  C.  J. 

•  *Ext.  Char. — Colors,  bluish,  or  brownish  black  ;  oc- 
curs mostly  disseminated  in,  or  investing  other  ores  of 
copper  ;  triable  ;  soils  the  fingers. 

C/iem.  Char.  Infusible,  but  gives  out  the  odor  of  sulphur. 
Local   Cornwall. 

Species  3     FERRUGINOUS  SULPHURET  OF  COPPER. 

Cuivre  Pyriteux,  H.     Copper  Pyrites,  P.     Yellow  Copper,  A.     Pyri- 

tous  Copper,~C.     Pyramidal  Copper-Pyrites,  M. 

Ext.  Char. — Colors,  golden,  or  brass  yellow,  often 
with  an  external  irridescent  tarnish  ;  occurs  dentritic, 
stalactical,  amorphous,  in  concretions,  and  crystalli- 
zed ;  form,  the  tetrahedron,  with  the  solid  angles  of- 
ten truncated,  also  the  dodecahedron,  formed  by  rais- 
ing a  three-sided  pyramid,  on  the  faces  of  the  tetrahe- 
dron ;  lustre  shining,  and  metallic  ;  structure  lamellar; 
cleavage  parallel  to  the  faces  of  the  octohedron  ;  faces 
brilliant  ;  crystals  small  arid  seldom  perfect ;  yields  to 
the  knife:  sp  gr.  4.3. 

Chem.  Char.  Fusible  into  a  black  globule,  which  on  continuing 
the  heat,  becomes  magnetic.  Tinges  borax  green. 

Comp.   Copper  40  to  35  5  ,  iron  40  to  33  ;  sulphur  20  to  35. 

Different  specimens  seldom  yield  the  same  proportions  of  these  in- 
gredients. It  often  contains  a  portion  of  silex. 

Dist.  Char.  It  resembles  iron  pyrites,  but  this  is  commonly  of  a 
bronze  yellow,  and  does  not  tinge  borax  green.  Native  bismuth  is 
laminated,  and  melts  with  great  ease  into  a  bright  globule,  that  of  the 
present  species  being  black.  Native  gold  is  malleable. 

It  is  found  in  primitive  and  secondary  rocks,  and  is  one  of  the 
most  common  and  abundant  ores  of  copper. 

Local.  Spain,  Bohemia,  Liberia,  Silesia,  Norway,  Japan,  Corn- 
wall, and  many  other  places  in  England. 

U  S.  Perikomon  lead  mine,  Ptnn.  Also  in  Chester,  Delaware 
County.  On  the  Hudson,  N.  Y.  in  many  places.  Cheshire,  Sims- 
bury,  Farmington,  and  Granby,  Conn.  Woburn,  Brighton,  and  Cam- 
bridge, Mass. 

It  is  a  valuable  ore  for  the  extraction  of  copper,  and  from  it  a  great 
proportion  of  that  used  in  commerce,  is  obtained. 

fi#ft'*.  Var.  1.     PURPLE  COPPER. 

Cuivre  Pyrteux  Hepatique,  H.  Variegated  Copper,  J.  Purple  Cop- 
per, A.  P.  Variegated  Perilous  Copper,  C.  Uctohedral  Copper- 
Pyrites,  M. 

Lxt.  Char. — Colors,  blue,  or  yellow,  sometimes  inter- 


GREY  COPPER.  189 

mediate  between  bronze-yellow,  and  copper  red ;  irri- 
descent;  occurs  massive,  and  crystallized  in  the  form, 
of  cubes  with  curvilinear  faces,  and  truncated  anglps; 
also  in  plates  which  are  sometimes  hexagonal ;  struc- 
ture imperfectly  lamellar;  cleavage  parallel  to  the 
planes  of  the  regular  octohedron  ;  soft;  easily  frangi- 
ble ;  lustre  metallic  ;  subject  to  tarnish  :  sp.  gr.  5. 

Chem.  Char.  Fusible  into  a  globule  which  is  magnetic.  Effervesces 
with  nitric  acid. 

Comp.  Copper  58  ;  iron  18  ;  sulphur  19  ;  oxygen  5. — Klaproth. 

Dist  Char.  Its  greater  specific  gravity,  and  its  variegated  colors, 
will  distinguish  it  from  ferruginous  sulphuret  of  copper. 

It  is  found  in  primitive  and  secondary  rocks,  with  the  other  ores  of 
copper. 

Local.  Arendal,  Cornwall,  Switzerland,  Saxony,  &c. 

Species  4.    GREY  COPPER. 

Cuivre  Gris,  H.     Grey  Copper,  A  P.  C.     Tetrahedral  Copper  Py- 
rites, J.     Tetrahedral  Copper-Glance,  M. 

Ext.  Char. — Color,  steel  grey,  passing  into  iron 
black  ;  streak  brownish  ;  occurs  amorphous,  dissem- 
inated, and  crystallized  in  tetrahedrons,  of  which  Hauy 
has  ennumerated  twelve  modifications  ;  lustre  glisten- 
ing and  metallic ;  brittle  ;  crystals  small  and  grouped ; 
sp.  gr.  about  5. 


Fig.  7.  The  tetrahedron,  with  the  edges  bevelled  or  replaced  by 
two  planes. 

Fig.  8.  The  same,  with  the  edges,  and  solid  angles  truncated. 

Fig.  9.  The  pyramidal  dodecahedron,  with  curved  faces. 

Chem.  Char.  Fusible,  but  not  easily  reduced  to  the  metallic  state. 

Comp.  Copper  52;  iron  23  ;  sulphur  14. — Chenevix. 

Dist.  Char.  Specular  oxide  of  iron  is  magnetic  ;  arsenical  iron  is 
harder  than  grey  copper,  and  gives  out  arsenical  fumes  when  heated. 

It  is  found  with  the  other  ores  of  copper,  and  with  those  of  iron  in 
primitive  and  secondary  rocks. 

Local.  Friberg,  in  Saxony.  Gomor,  in  Hungary.  Several  places 
in  the  Tyrol.  Spain,  Scotland,  England,  &c. 


190  TENNANTITE, 


1.       ARSENICAL  GREY  COPPER. 

Cuivre  Gris  Arsenifere,  H.     Arsenical  Grey  Copper,  A.  P.  C. 

Ext.  Char.  —  Color,  steel  grey  ;  occurs  in  tetrahe- 
drons and  amorphous;  lustre  metallic  ;  possesses  most 
of  the  characters  of  the  species. 

Chem.  Char.  Infusible,  but  diffuses  the  arsenical  vapor. 
Comp.  Copper  41  to  48  ;  iron  22.5  to  27.5  ;  sulphur  10;  arsenis 
14  to  24  ;  silver,  a  trace.  —  Klaproth. 

Local.  Various  parts  of  Germany,  Cornwall,  Eng.   Scotland,  &c. 

Var.  2.       ANTIMONIAL  GREY  COPPER. 

Cuivre  Gris  Antimonifere,  H.     Black  Copper,  J.     Antimonial  Grey 

Copper,  P.  C. 

Ext.  Char.  —  Color,  dark  lead  grey,  nearly  black  ; 
occurs  amorphous  and  crystallized,  in  tetrahedrons  ; 
lustre  glimmering,  and  somewhat  greasy  ;  fracture  un- 
even. 

Chem.  Char.  Fusible  into  a  metallic  globule,  which  emits  minute 
scintillations  attended  with  little  trains  of  smoke. 

Comp.  Copper  37  75  ;  antimony  22  ;  sulphur  28  ;  silver  00.25  ; 
iron  03.25.  —  Klaproth. 

Dist.  Char.  It  is  distinguished  from  other  ores  which  it  resembles, 
by  the  antimonial  scintillations  under  the  blowpipe. 

Species  4.     TENNANTITE. 

Tennantite,  J.  P.  C.  M. 

Ext.  Char.  —  Color,  lead  grey,  passing  into  blackish 
grey  ;  occurs  crystallized  in  the  form  of  rhombic  do- 
decahedrons ;  also  in  cubes  and  regular  octohedrons  ; 
cleavage  imperfect  ;  structure  foliated  ;  lustre  metal- 
lic ;  streak  reddish  grey  ;  brittle  :  sp.  gr.  4.37. 

Chem.  Char.  Burns  with  a  bluish  flame,  and  then  emits  arsenical 
vapors,  leaving  a  black  magnetic  scoria. 

Comp.  Copper  45.32;  arsenic  11.84;  iron  9.26;  sulphur  28.74  ; 
silex  5.  —  Phillips. 

Local  Cornwall,  Eng.  in  several  of  the  copper  mines. 

Var.  1.     WHITE  COPPER. 
White  Copper,  J.  C.  A.  P. 

Ext.  Char.  —  Colors,  internally  nearly  silver  white, 
sometimes  with  a  tinge  of  yellow  ,•  soon  tarnishes  ;  lus- 
tre metallic  and  glistening  ;  occurs  massive  and  dis- 
seminated ;  yields  to  the  knife  5  fracture  fine  grained, 
uneven  ;  brittle  :  sp.  gr.  4.5. 


RED  OXIDE  OF  COPPER.  191 

Chem.  Char.   Fusible,  with  arsenical  vapors,  into  a  dark  slag. 

Comp.  Copper  40  ;  the  remainder  being  iron,  arsenic  and  sulphur. 
—  Vauquelin. 

Local  Cornwall,  with  other  copper  Ores. 

U.  S.  Fairfield,  Conn,  in  compact  masses,  color,  metallic,  sp.  gr.  0. 
— Silliman. 

Species  5.     RED  OXIDE  OF  COPPER. 
Cuivre  Oxide  Rouge,  H.     Octohedral  Red  Copper  Ore,  J.     Red 

Copper  Ore,  A.  Red  Oxide  of  Copper,  P.  C.   Octohedral  Copper- 
Ore,  M. 

Ext.  Char. — Color,  red,  of  various  shades,  as  deep 
cochineal  red,  greyish  red,  and  pure  cochineal  red  ; 
occurs  amorphous  and  crystallized  in  regular  octohe- 
drons,  and  cubes,  variously  modified  by  truncation,  and 
bevelment  ;  structure  lamellar,  but  rarely  visible; 
cleavage  parallel  to  the  planes  of  the  octohedron ;  lus- 
tre metallic  adamantine  ;  fracture  conchoidal,  uneven; 
translucent ;  yields  to  the  knife  ;  brittle ;  powder  ver- 
million  red :  sp.  gr.  4  to  5.9. 


Fig.  10.  The  regular  octohedron,  the  primary  form. 

Fig.  11.  The  same,  with  all  the  solid  angles  truncated,  producing 
quadrangular  planes. 

Fig.  12.  The  octohedron,  with  its  edges  and  solid  angles  trunca- 
ted, the  angles  produced  by  the  truncation  being  slightly  bevelled, 
forming  three  planes. 

Fig.  13.  The  rhombic  dodecahedron,  with  all  its  edges  and  solid 
angles  slightly  truncated. 

Obs.  According  to  Phillips,  this  mineral  occurs  under  100  secon- 
dary forms. 

Chem.  Char.  Fusible,  and  easily  reduced  to  the  metallic  state.  Dis- 
solves with  effervescence,  in  nitric  acid ;  in  muriatic  acid,  without 
effervescence. 

Comp.  Copper  91  ;  oxygen  9. — Klaproth. 

Copper  88.5  ;  oxygen  11.5. — Chenevix. 

Dist.  Char.  The  red  color  of  this  species,  and  its  effervescence  in 
nitric  acid,  will  distinguish  it  from  red  silver  ore,  which  does  not  effer- 
vesce, and  from  the  sulphurets  of  copper,  which  are  not  red.  Cinna- 
bar does  not  effervesce,  and  is  volatile  by  the  blowpipe. 

Oxide  of  copper  is  found  in  primitive,  and  secondary  rocks,  as- 
sociated with  the  other  ores  of  copper. 

It  is  found  in  small  quantities,  but  its  localities  are  numerous. 


192  BLUE  CARBONATE  OF  COPPER. 

Var.   1.       CAPILLARY  RED  OXIDE  OF  COPPER. 

Capillary  Red   Copper  Ore,  J.      Capillary   Red  Oxide  of    Cop- 

per, P.  C. 

Ext.  Char.  —  Color,  carmine  red,  often  very  beauti- 
ful ;  occurs  in  minute,  long,  slender  crystals  ;  translu- 
cent, or  transparent  ;  crystals  generally  aggregated, 
or  cross  each  other  at  various  angles. 

Local  In  the  mines  of  Cornwall. 

Var.  2.     MASSIVE  RED  OXIDE  OF  COPPER. 
Ext.  Char.  —  Color,  dark  red  ;  opake,  or  translucent  ; 
fracture  granular  ;  often  intermingled  with  native  cop- 
per. 

Local.  Cornwall. 

Var.  3.       FOLIATED  RED  OXIDE  OP  COPPER, 

Foliated  Red  Copper  Ore,  J. 

Ext.  Char.  —  Color,  red,  often  lively  and  rich  ;  occurs 
massive  and  crystallized  ;  structure  foliated  ;  lustre 
shining,  metallic  ;  fracture  conchoidal,  uneven  ;  trans- 
parent, or  translucent. 

Local  It  is  found  with  the  other  varieties. 


.  4.       FERRUGINOUS  RED  OXIDE  OF  COPPER. 

Tile  Ore,  P.  A. 

Ext.  Char.  —  Color,  brick  red,  passing  into  reddish 
brown  ;  occurs  massive  ;  fracture  earthy  ;  lustre  glim- 
mering, or  dull  ;  yields  to  the  knife,  sometimes  to  the 
nail  ;  opake. 

Chem.  Char.  Infusible,  turns  black.     Gives  a  dirty  green  to  borax. 

Comp.  Supposed  to  consist  of  red  oxide  of  copper,  and  iron. 

Local.  This  species  is  found  in  small  quantities,  in  most  copper 
mines. 

U.  S.  Perikomen  lead  mine,  and  near  Lancaster,  Penn.  In  the 
red  sandstone  formation,  N.  J.  In  the  greenstone  mountains,  Conn. 

Species  6.     BLUE  CARBONATE  OF  COPPER, 

Cuivre  Carbonate  bleu,  H.     Azure  Copper  Ore,  J.     Blue  Carbonate 
of  Copper,  A.  C.  P. 

Ext.  Char.  —  Color,  blue,  of  different  shades,  as  azure 
or  indigo  blue  ;  occurs  massive,  stalactical,  encrusting, 
disseminated,  and  crystallized  ;  primitive  form,  the  ob- 


GREEN  CARBONATE  OF  COPPER.          193 

Chem.  Char.  Infusible  without  addition  ;  with  borax,  gives  a  green 
glass,  and  yields  a  metallic  globule.  Dissolves  with  effervescence  in 
nitric  acid. 

Camp.  Oxide  of  copper  70  ;  carbonic  acid  24  ;  water  6. — Kla- 
proth. 

Dist.  Char.  The  sulphate  of  copper  which  it  may  resemble,  is  so- 
luble in  water.  Azure  phosphate  of  iron  becomes  magnetic  under 
the  blowpipe. 

Obs.  Some  specimens  of  implanted  crystals  present  brilliant  shin- 
ing faces  in  every  position,  and  being  of  an  intense  rich  blue,  are  pe- 
culiarly striking  and  beautiful. 

It  is  found  in  primitive  and  secondary  mountains. 

Local.  Chili,  Bohemia,  the  Hartz.  Most  of  the  copper  mines  in 
England.  Chessy,  in  France.  Uralian  mountains,  &,c. 

U.  S.  Perkiomen  lead  mine,  Penn.  Schuyler's  mines,  N.  J.  Hart- 
ford, Conn. 

Jameson  remarks,  that  this  species  is  not  only  used  as  an  ore  of 
copper,  but  also  as  a  pigment,  called  mountain  blue,  of  which  there  is 
a  manufactory  in  the  Tyrol. 

Species  7.     GREEN  CARBONATE  OF  COPPER. 

Cuivre  Carbonate  Verte,  H.   Green  Carbonate  of  Copper,  P.  C.  He- 

mi-Prismatic  Habroneme-Malachite,  M. 

Ext.  Char. — Color,  emerald,  grass,  or  apple  green, 
also  verdigris  green ;  streak  and  powder,  lighter  green; 
occurs  tuberose,  globular,  reniform,  mammillary,  and 
stalactieal  ;  also  in  fibres,  and  curved  folia,  and  rarely 
in  crystals  ;  form  four-sided  prisms,  generally  very  mi- 
nute ;  and  in  rhombic  prisms  ;  lustre  shining,  or  dull : 
sp.  gr.  about  4. 

Chem  Char.  Turns  black,  but  does  not  melt  alone ;  with  borax, 
gives  a  dark  greenish  glass  :  effervesces  with  acids,  and  forms  a  blue 
color  with  ammonia. 

Comp.  Copper  58 ;  oxygen  12.50 ;  carbonic  acid  18  ;  water  11.50. 
. — Klaproth. 

Dist.  Ch'ir.  From  the  green  oxide  of  uranium,  the  green  phos- 
phate of  lead,  and  the  green  muriate  of  copper  it  is  distinguished  by 
its  effervescence  with  acids.  The  green  arseniate  of  copper  gives 
out  the  garlic  odor  when  heated. 

Var.  1.   FEBROUS  MALACHITE. 
Cuivre  carbonate  vert  aciculaire,  H.     Fibrous  Malachite,  J.  P.  C. 

Ext.  Char. — Color,  green  of  various  shades ;  occurs 

in  delicate  shining  fibres,  sometimes  radiated,  or  fassi- 

culated ;  lustre  silky  ;  translucent ;  very  soft ;  brittle ; 

Obs.  \.  It  is  found  incrusting  other  minerals,  particularly  or£s  of 

25 


191  CHRYSOCOLLA. 

copper  in  thin  layers,  composed  of  radiating  delicate  fibres  of  a  glis- 
tening, silky  lustre. 

2.  According  to  Jameson,  these  fibres  are  regular  crystals,  of  which 
Estner  determined,  that  some  were  six-sided  prisms,  with  bevelled 
edges,  others  three-sided  truncated  prisms,  &,c. 

It  occurs  in  small  quantities  with  other  ores  of  copper. 

Local.  Silesia,  Norway,  Sweden,  Russia,  and  the  several  mines  in 
England. 

U.  S.  Schuyler's  mines,  N.  J.  Perkiomen  lead  mine,  Penn. 
Cheshire,  Conn,  in  small,  but  good  specimens. — Silliman. 

Var.  2.  COMPACT  MALACHITE. 

Cuivre  carbonate  vert  concretionne,  H.     Massive  Malachite,  A.  P. 
Compact  Malachite,  C. 

Ext.  Char. — Colors,  green,  emerald  green,  passing 
into  apple,  verdigris,  or  grass  green  ;  occurs  in  masses, 
composed  of  botryoidal,  globular,  or  reriiform  concre- 
tions, of  a  fibrous  radiating  structure,  closely  compact- 
ed together.  Sometimes  the  concretions  are  concen- 
tric lamellar,  in  one  direction,  and  fibrous  in  another 
fracture  conchoidal ;  opake ;  lustre  glistening  and 
silky ;  aspect  often  striped. 

Comp.  Oxide  of  copper,  72.2;  carbonic  acid,  18.5;  water,  93. — 
Phillips. 

It  occurs  with  the  blue  carbonate  of  copper,  and  fibrous  malachite. 

Local  Bohemia,  England,  Russia,  Saxony,  Norway,  and  Siberia. 

U.  S.  Blue  Hills,  Md.  Near  Nicholas  Gap,  Penn.  Near  Bound- 
brook,  N.  J.  Greenfield,  Mass. 

Uses.  It  is  ground,  and  employed  as  a  paint,  and  is  sometimes  cut 
and  polished  for  jewelry.  Specimens  are  sometimes  found  of  con- 
siderable size,  and  are  sawn  into  thin  plates,  and  polished  as  curios- 
ities, for  the  covers  of  boxes,  or  are  worked  into  vases,  &c.  These 
when  polished,  display  the  radiated  structure,  and  silky,  changeable 
lustre  of  the  mineral  to  great  advantage,  and  are  often  extremely 
beautiful. 

Jameson  remarks,  that  Patrin  saw  a  slab  of  green  malachite  at  St. 
Petersburg,  which  was  thirty  two  inches  long,  and  seventeen  broad , 
and  was  valued  at  twenty  thousand  livres. 

Species  S.    CHRYSOCOLLA. 

Cuivre  carbonate  terreux,  H.     Copper  Green,  C.     Crysocolla,  H.  P. 
Uncleavable  Staphyline-Malachite,  M. 

Ext.  Char. — Color,  verdigris  green,  passing  into 
emerald,  or  leek  green,  also  yellowish  green,  and  sky 
blue  ;  occurs  massive,  botryoidal,  reniform,  and  some- 
times coating  malachite  ;  fracture  small  conchoidal ; 


DIOPTASE.       MURIATE     OF    COPPER.  19/J 

lustre  shirking,  resinous  ;  yields  to  the  knife,  sometimes 
with  difficulty  ;  sp.  gr.  2.  to  2.4  ;  translucent :  brittle. 

Chem.  Char.  Infusible,  but  becomes  black,  and  tinges  the  flame 
green.  With  borax  forms  a  green  glass,  and  yields  a  copper  globule. 
Effervesces  slightly  with  acids. 

Comp.  Oxide  of  copper  50  ;  carbonic  acid  7 ;  water  17  ;  silex  25. 
—Klaproth. 

Dist.  Char.  Its  translucency,  and  feeble  effervescence  will  distin- 
guish it  from  malachite. 

Obs.  1.  It  appears  to  pass  on  the  one  side,  into  malachite,  and  on 
the  other,  into  chalcedony,  and  hence  it  varies  greatly  in  respect  to 
hardness. — Aiken. 

2.  The  same  specimen  often  exhibits  different  external  characters, 
being  partly  green  and  translucent,  and  partly  brown  and  opake. — 
Cleveland. 

Local.  Cornwall,  England ;  Hungary,  Bohemia,  Norway,  Siberia, 
Mexico,  and  Chili. 

Species  9.  DIOPTASE. 

Cuivre  Dioptase,   H.      Dioptase,   J    P.   C.     Emerald  Copper,  A. 
Rhombohedral  Emerald-Malachite,  M. 

Ext.  Char. — Color,  emerald,  verdigris,  or  blackish 
green ;  occurs  in  six-sided  prisms,  terminated  by  three- 
sided  pryamids;  structure  lamellar  ;  cleavage  in  three 
directions,  more  or  less  perfect;  fracture  conchoidal ; 
lustre  vitreous,  inclining  to  resinous  ;  transparent,  or 
translucent ;  sp.  gr.  3.27.  scratches  glass. 

Chem.  Char.  Infusible  alone ;  with  borax,  melts  into  a  green  glass. 
Soluble  without  effervescence  in  muriatic  acid. 

Comp.  Oxide  of  copper  55 ;  silex  33  ;  water  12. — Lowitz. 

Oxide  of  copper  25.57  ;  carbonate  of  lime  42.85  ;  silex  28.57. — 
Vauquelin. 

l)ii>t.  Char.  Emerald  is  much  harder  than  dioptase,  and  is  insolu- 
ble in  acids.  Its  want  of  effervescence  will  distinguish  it  from  chry- 
socolla. 

Local.  Siberia,  where  it  is  associated  with  carbonate  of  lime,  and 
malachite. 

Species  10.  MURIATE  OF  COPPER. 
Cuivre  muriate,  H.     Muriate  of  Copper,  A.  P.  C.     Atacamite,  J.  M. 

Ext  Char. — Color,  emerald,  verdigris,  or  leek  green  ; 
also  blackish  green ;  streak,  pale  green  ;  occurs  in  mi- 
nute octohedrons,  either  with  wedge-shaped  termina- 
tions, or  variously  truncated,  or  both  ;  also  in  lamellar 
masses,  and  in  concretions  composed  of  acicular  crys- 
tals resembling  malachite  :  structure  lamellar :  brittle : 


196        SULPHATE  AND  PHOSPHATE  OP  COPPER. 

lustre  shining  ;  translucent ;  crystals  often  transparent : 
sp.  gr.  3.<r2.  to  4.1. 

Chtm  Char.  '  ommunicates  bright  blue  and  green  colors  to  the 
flame  of  a  candle  ;  before  the  blowpipe  gives  the  muriatic  odor,  and 
melts  into  a  globule  of  copper.  Soluble  in  nitric  acid,  without  effer- 
vescence. 

Dint.  Char.  From  arseniate  of  copper,  it  differs  in  emitting  the 
muriatic,  instead  of  the  garlic  odor  From  malachite  it  is  known  by 
the  same  properties,  as  well  as  by  the  peculiar  color  it  gives  to  the 
flame. 

Local  Remolinos  in  Chili,  with  carbonate  of  copper.  Peru,  with 
the  ores  of  silver  Vesuvius,  in  lava. 

U.  S.  Wobum,  Brighton,  and  Medford,  Mass. 

Species.  11.  SULPHATE  OF  COPPER. 

Cuivre  sul fate,  H.     Prismatic  Vitrol,  J.     Sulphate  of  Copper,  P.  C. 
Tetarto-Prismatic-Vitrol-JSalt,  M. 

Ext.  Char. — Color,  deep  rich  blue,  and  sky  blue: 
artificial  crystals,  four,  six.  or  eight-sided  prisms,  often 
terminated  by  dihedral  summits ;  native  crystals  very 
rare;  more  commonly  occurs  stalactical,  and  pulveru- 
lent ;  taste  styptic,  and  nauseous  ;  when  rubbed  on 
moistened  polished  iron,  leaves  a  coat  of  copper. 

Obs.  Sulphate  of  copper,  or  blue  vitriol  is  sometimes  found  in  solu- 
tion, in  the  water  proceeding  from  mines  of  the  sulphuret  of  copper, 
and  from  the  decomposition  of  which,  it  is  produced. 

Loral  Angiesea  in  England,  Wicklow  in  Ireland,  Fahlun  in  Swe- 
den, near  Go^lar  in  Hungary. 

O6s.  1.  At  the  copper  mine  of  Angiesea,  considerable  quantities  of 
the  metal  are  obtained  by  throwing  into  the  water  which  comes  from 
the  mine,  waste  iron,  on  which  the  metallic  copper  is  precipitated. 

2.  The  blue  vitriol  of  commerce  is  obtained  partly  by  crystallizing 
such  natural  solutions,  and  partly  by  lixiviating  inferior  ores  of  cop- 
per. 

Uses.  Its  principal  use  is  in  dying.  It  is  also  employed  in  med- 
icine. ^-T" 

Species  12.     PHOSPHATE  OF  COPPER. 

Cuivre  Phosphate,  H.     Phosphate  of  Copper,  J.  A.  P.  C.     Prismatio 
Habroneme-Malachite,  M. 

Ext.  Char. — Colors,  emerald,  verdigris,  or  blackish 
green,  often  darker  on  the  surface ;  occurs  crystalliz- 
ed in  rhombic  prisms  with  curvilinear  faces,  and  in  oc- 
tohedrons.  often  elongated,  and  terminating  in  trunca- 
ted pyramids  ;  crystals  very  small,  and  fasciculated  or 
grouped  ;  also,  it  occurs  in  mammillary,  or  remform 
concretions  composed  of  radiating,  or  diverging  deli- 


HYDROUS  PHOSPHATE,  AND  ARSENIATE  OP  COPPER.    197 

cate  fibres,  and  in  thin  plates,  opake  ;  crystals  often 
translucent ;  lustre  resinous,  or  silky  ;  structure  foliat- 
ed ;  cleaves  in  two  directions :  sp.  gr.  4. 

Chem.  Char.  Fusible  into  a  brownish  globule,  which  extends  it- 
self on  the  charcoal,  and  by  the  addition  of  a  little  tallow,  is  reduced 
to  a  small  globule  of  copper.  Dissolves  without  effervescence  in  nitric 
acid. 

Comp.  Oxide  of  copper  68.13  ;  phosphoric  acid  30.95. — Kla- 
proth. 

Dist.  Char.  Its  solubility  without  effervescence,  will  distinguish  it 
from  malachite,  and  the  effects  of  the  blowpipe  will  distinguish  it 
from  arseniate  of  copper,  chrysocolla,  dioptase,  and  muriate  of  cop- 
per. 

Local.  Hungary,  at  several  places.  Cornwall3  in  England  ;  and 
near  Cologne,  in  Italy. 

Species  13.     HYDROUS  PHOSPHATE  OF  COPPER. 

Hydrous  Phosphate  of  Copper,  P.      Prismatic   Habroneme-Mala- 

chite,  M. 

Ext.  Char — Color,  emerald  green,  the  massive,  stri- 
ated with  blackish  green  ;  occurs  massive  and  crys- 
tallized ;  crystals  occur  aggregated,  or  implanted, 
sometimes  radiating  or  diverging ;  very  minute,  and  so 
connected  that  their  forms  have  not  been  precisely  de- 
termined ;  powder,  verdigris  green  ;  translucent  :  sp. 
gr.  4.2. 

Chem.  Char.  Fusible  with  ease,  into  a  reddish  black  slag,  which 
with  soda  is  reduced  to  a  metallic  globule. 

Comp.  Peroxide  of  copper  62.48 ;  phosphoric  acid  21.67  ;  water 
15.45.—  Lunn. 

Local.  Bonn,  on  the  Rhine,  with  native  copper. 

Species  14.     ARSENIATE  OF  COPPER. 

There  are  several  varieties  of  this  species ,  which  differ   considerably 
in  their  chemical  characters,  as  well  as  txternul  forms. 

Var.   1.       OCTOHEDRAL  ARSENIATE  OF  COPPER. 

Culvre  arseniate  primitif,  H.  Lenticular  Copper,  J.  Octohedral 
Arseniate  of  Copper,  A.  P.  Obtuse  Octohedral  Arseniate  of  Cop- 
per, C.  Prismatic  Lirocone-Malachite,  M. 

Ext.  Char. — Colors,  sky  blue,  bluish  white,  greenish 
white,  or  verdigris  green  ;  streak  pale ;  occurs  in  ob- 
tuse pyramidal  octohedrons,  composed  of  two  four-sid- 
ed pyramids  joined  base  to  base  ;  crystals  small ; 
cleavage  parallel  to  all  the  planes  of  an  obtuse  octo- 


198  ARSENIATE  OP  COPPER. 

hedron  ;    lustre  vitreous  ;    translucent,  semi-transpa- 
rent f  brittle  ;  not  so  hard  as  fluor :  sp.  gr.  2.8& 


Fig.  14.  An  obtuse  octohedron,  or  two  four-sided  pyramids  set  on 
a  short  common  base  ;  a  form  under  which  this  mineral  commonly 
occurs.  The  crystals  are  often  flattened,  so  as  to  become  nearly  len- 
ticular. 

Chem.  Char.  Fusible  into  a  black  scoria  ;  with  borax,  yields  a 
metallic  bead  of  copper.  Gives  the  garlic  odor  when  heated. 

Comp.  Oxide  of  copper  49  ;  arsenic  acid  14  ;  water  35.  —  Che- 
nevix. 

Dist.  Char.  It  differs  from  malachite,  in  not  effervescing  with  acids, 
and  in  giving  the  odor  of  garlic.  Green  oxide  of  uranium,  is  not  re- 
duced by  the  blowpipe.  Muriate  of  copper,  exhales  the  muriatic  va- 
por. 

Local  Cornwall,  in  England,  with  many  other  varieties  of  copper 
ore. 


.  2.       RHOMBOIDAL  ARSENIATE  OF  COPPER. 

Cuivre  arseniate  lamelliforme,  H.  Prismatic  Copper  Mica,  J.  Rhom- 
boidal  Arseniate  of  Copper,  P.  Hexahedral  Arseniate  of  Copper, 
C.  Rhombohedral  Euchlore-Mica,  M. 

Ext.  Char.  —  Colors,  pure  green,  emerald  green,  grass 
green,  rarely  bluish  green,  or  greenish  white  ;  occurs 
in  six-sided  tabular  crystals,  of  which  the  lateral  planes 
are  trapeziums  ;  cleavage  parallel  to  all  the  planes  of 
the  rhomboid  ;  structure  foliated,  with  brilliant  faces 
parallel  to  the  broader  planes  ;  transparent,  translucent; 
crystals  sometimes  arranged  in  rose-like  forms,  and 
sometimes  form  foliated,  or  tabular  masses,  which  are 
divisible  like  those  of  mica  ;  yields  to  the  knife,  or 
nail  :  sp.  gr.  2.54. 

Chem.  Char.  Fusible  into  a  globule  ;  with  borax,  yields  a  bead  of 
copper. 

Comp.  Oxide  of  copper  58;  arsenic  acid  21  ;  water  21.  —  Cht- 
nevix. 

Dist.  Char.  These  are  similar  to  those  of  the  variety  above,  while 
it  may  be  distinguished  from  that  variety,  by  the  forms  of  its  crystals 
and  foliated  structure. 

Local.  Cornwall,  in  several  of  the  copper  mines, 


ARSENIATE  OF  COPPER.  199 

Var.  3.     OBLIQUE  PRISMATIC  ARSENIATE  OF  COPPER. 
Cuivre    arseniate    prismatique    triangulaire,  H.     Trihedral  Oliven 
Ore,  J.     Oblique  Prismatic  Arseniate,  A.  P.     Prismatic  Arseniate 
of  Copper,  C. 

Ext.  Char.  —  Color,  bluish  black,  or  deep  black  ;  oc- 
curs in  curved  lamellar  concretions,  and  more  rarely 
in  minute  oblique  rhombic  prisms  ;  crystals  fascicula- 
ted, or  radiating,  and  often  of  a  beautiful  blue,  by  trans- 
mitted light  ;  when  massive,  nearly  black;  translucent, 
or  transparent  ;  yields  to  the  knife  :  sp.  gr.  4.2. 

Chem.  Char.  Before  the  blowpipe,  flows  like  water,  and  in  cooling, 
crystallizes  in  plates  of  a  brown  color. 

Comp.  Oxide  of  copper  54  ;  arsenic  acid  30  ;  water  16.  —  Che- 
nevix. 

Dist.  Char.  Its  peculiar  chemical  characters,  and  its  crystalliza- 
tion on  cooling,  will  distinguish  it  from  substances  it  most  resem- 
bles. 

Local.  Cornwall,  with  the  other  varieties  of  this  species. 


.  4.       RIGHT  PRISMATIC  ARSENIATE  OP  COPPER. 

Prismatic  Ohven-Ore,  J.     Right  Prismatic  Arseniate,  P.     Prismatic 
Olive-Malachite,  M. 

Ext.  Char.  —  Colors,  various  shades  of  olive  green, 
passing  into  yellowish,  brownish,  or  blackish  green  ; 
occurs  in  prismatic  crystals  ;  cleavage  parallel  to  the 
planes  of  a  right  rhombic  prism  ;  crystals  often  capil- 
lary ;  translucent  ;  opake  ;  shapes  of  the  massive,  glo- 
bular, and  reniform  ;  surface  drusy  :  brittle  :  sp.  gr. 
2.28. 

Chem.  Char.  Fusible  with  a  kind  of  deflagration,  and  by  continu- 
ing the  heat,  is  reduced,  the  globule  of  copper  being  covered  with  a 
coating  of  the  red  oxide.  Soluble  in  nitric  acid. 

Comp.  Oxide  of  copper  50  ;  arsenic  acid  29  ;  water  21.  —  Che- 
nevix. 

Dist.  Char.  The  difference  between  the  chemical  characters  of 
this  variety,  and  that  above,  will  distinguish  them  from  each  other. 

Local.  Cornwall,  and  Cumberland,  Eng. 

Var.  5.     FIBROUS  ARSENIATE  OF  COPPER. 

Cuivre  arseniate  aciculaire,  H.  Fibrous  Acicular  Olivinite,  J. 
Amianlhiform,  and  Haematitic  Arseniate,  A.  P.  Fibrous  Arseni- 
ate of  Copper,  C. 

Ext.  Char.  —  Colors,  green,  grass  green,  yellowish 
or  brownish  green,  or  greenish  white  ;  occurs  in  ca- 
pillary crystals,  parallel  or  diverging,  extremely  fine, 


200  MARTIAL  ARSENIATE  OF  COPPER. 

like  raw  silk,  and  so  closely  connected  as  to  resemble 
knots  of  wood  ;  also  it  occurs  loosely  united,  in  short 
delicate  fibrils,  projecting  from  nodular,  or  reniform 
masses,  and  resembling  the  finest  cotton ;  lustre  silky  ; 
brittle  ;  translucent ;  opake :  sp.  gr.  4.28. 

Chem.  Char.  Fusible,  with  the  odor  of  arsenic,  into  a  cellular  scoria- 
Soluble  in  acids. 

Dist.  Char.  It  resembles  some  varieties  of  amianthus,  and  bysso- 
lit.e,  and  also  fibrous  oxide  of  tin,  but  is  easily  distinguished  from 
them  by  its  chemical  characters,  and  particularly  the  garlic  odor. 

Species  15.     MARTIAL  ARSENIATE  OF  COPPER. 
Cuivre  arseniate  ferrifere,  H.     Martial  Arseniate  of  Copper,  J.  A. 

Ferruginous  Arseniate  of  Copper,  C.  Scorodite,  M. 
Ext.  Char. — Colors,  leek  green,  olive  green,  passing 
into  white  ;  also,  pale  blue,  and  yellowish  green; 
streak,  white  ;  occurs  in  reniform  masses,  composed 
of  minute  crystals,  and  in  crystals,  the  forms  of  which 
are  right  rhombic  prisms,  terminated  by  four-sided  pyr- 
amids ;  lustre  vitreous  ;  harder  than  calcareous  spar  ; 
translucent,  or  transparent  ;  fracture  uneven  ;  brittle : 
sp.  gr.  3.16. 

Chem.  CActr.  Emits  an  arsenical  odor,  and  melts  into  a  brownish 
scoria,  which  acts  on  the  magnet. 

Comp.  Oxide  of  copper  22  5  ;  oxide  of  iron  27.5 ;  arsenic  acid 
33.5  ;  water  1*2  ;  silex  3. — Chenevix. 

Obs.  The  great  copper  mine  of  Fahlun,  in  Sweden,  has  been  work- 
ed to  the  depth  of  1200  feet,  and  one  of  the  Cornwall  copper  mines, 
is  1800  feet  deep.  In  both  of  these  mines,  the  heat  is  so  great  that 
the  miners  carry  on  their  labor  with  little  or  no  clothing,  in  the  cold- 
est season.  In  the  Fahlun  mine,  according  to  Dr.  Clarke,  the  heat 
to  a  stranger  is  absolutely  intolerable.  This  high  temperature,  is  in 
part  owing  to  the  fires  which  are  kindled  to  soften  the  rock,  or  break 
it  in  pieces,  so  as  to  lessen  the  labor  of  the  miners,  and  in  part  to  the 
great  depth  of  the  mines,  the  heat  increasing,  it  is  said,  in  proportion 
to  the  descent  into  the  bowels  of  the  earth. 

Genus  G.—LEAD. 

The  color  of  pure  lead,  is  bluish  grey,  approaching  white,  but  it 
soon  tarnishes  on  exposure  to  the  air.  Its  specific  gravity  is  11. 
The  ores  of  this  metal  are  numerous,  but  with  the  exception  of  the 
sulphuret  of  lead,  they  are  of  no  considerable  importance  to  the 
arts. 

Lead  is  found  native,  also  combined  with  several  of  the  other  me- 
tals ;  with  sulphur,  with  several  of  the  acids,  with  oxygen7  with  sev- 
eral of  the  acidified  metals,  and  with  carbonic  acid. 


NATIVE,  AND  SULPHURET  OF  LEAD.  GALENA.    201 

Uses.  The  uses  to  which  this  metal  is  applied,  are  numerous  and 
important.  In  its  metallic  state,  it  is  employed  in  the  construction  of 
aqueducts  ;  for  covering  the  roofs  of  houses  ;  for  the  linings  of  boil- 
ers, for  certain  uses  ;  in  the  composition  of  pewter,  &c.  Its  oxides 
and  salts,  are  employed  as  paints  ;  in  the  composition  of  glass  ;  in 
medicine,  and  in  several  of  the  more  common  arts. 

This  metal  is  inert  on  the  living  system,  but  its  salts  and  oxides 
operate  as  slow,  but  certain  poisons. 

Species  1.    NATIVE  LEAD. 
Plomb  natif,  H.     Native  Lead,  A.  P.  C. 
Ext.  Char. — Color,  bluish  grey ;  occurs  interspersed 
in  galena  ;  lustre   metallic  ;  malleable  ;  soft ;   easily 
cut  :  sp.  gr.  11. 

Obs.  1.  The  existence  of  native  lead  has  been  doubted  by  Hauy, 
and  others.  That  found  on  the  Island  of  Madeira,  in  Java,  was  sup- 
posed to  have  been  reduced  to  its  metallic  state,  by  volcanic  heat 

2.  The  existence  of  native  lead  is,  however,  proved  by  the  follow- 
ing extract  of  a  letter  to  the  present  writer,  from  a  gentleman  of  sci- 
ence, B  F.  Stickney,  Esq.  ol  Ohio. 

"  I  have,"  says  he,  "  a  specimen  of  lead  ore,  from  Auglaise  River, 
(Ohio,)  in  which  metallic  lead  is  so  interspersed  with  galena,  as  to 
prove  incontestably  the  existence  of  native  lead." 

Species  2.     SULPHURET  OF  LEAD     GALENA. 

Plomb  sulfure,  H.     Hexahedral  Galena,  J     Sulphuret  of  Lead,  P.  C. 

Hexahedral  Lead-Glance,  M. 

Ext.  Char. — Color,  bluish  grey,  lead  grey,  external- 
ly blackish  grey,  and  sometimes  irised  ;  occurs  crys- 
tallized, amorphous,  and  reticulated  ;  form  the  cube, 
and  regular  octohedron,  with  many  of  their  varieties  ; 
structure  lamellated  ;  cleavage,  parallel  to  the  planes 
of  the  cube,  which  is  its  primitive  form  ;  lustre  of  the 
cleaved  surfaces,  very  brilliant ;  soft ;  brittle  ;  opake ; 
when  massive,  the  structure  is  granular,  and  the  frac- 
ture uneven,  flat  conchoidal :  sp.  gr.  7.5. 

iff 


Fig.  15.  The  regular  octohedron,  a  form  next  to  the  cube,  under 
which  the  present  species  most  commonly  appears. 
Fig.  16.    The  octohedron,  with  its  edges  bevelled,  or  replaced  by 

two  planes. 

26 


202  SULPHURET  OF  LEAD.    GALENA. 

Fig.  17.  The  octohedron,  with  its  solid  angles  deeply  truncated, 
and  the  edges  replaced. 

Chem  Char.  First  decrepitates,  and  then  melts  with  the  odor  of 
sulphur,  into  a  globule  of  lead. 

Comp.  (A  mean  of  4  specimens.)  Lead  67.5  ;  sulphur  17  ;  lime 
and  siiex  15.5.  —  Vauquelin. 

Dist.  Char.  Between  the  sulphuret  of  lead,  and  the  sulphuret  of 
zinc,  there  are  these  distinctions.  The  lead  is  reduced  to  a  metallic 
globule,  by  the  blowpipe,  and  is  fixed  ;  while  the  zinc  being  reduced, 
is  soon  evaporated.  Molybdena  is  infusible,  as  is  the  case  with  gra- 
phite. 

1.       GRANULAR  GALENA. 


Plomb  sulfure   granulaire,  H.     Granular  Sulphuret  of  Lead,  C. 
Granular  Galena,  A.  P. 

Ext.  Char.  —  Color,  the  same  as  in  the  species  ;  occurs 
massive,  composed  of  small  crystalline  grains,  irregu- 
larly disposed  ;  fracture  granular  ;  lustre  shining  ;  re- 
sembles steel  ;  less  apt  to  tarnish,  than  the  other  vari- 
eties. 

In  other  respects,  it  does  not  differ  from  the  species. 
Var.  2.     COMPACT  GALENA. 

Plomb  sulfure  compacte,  H.     Compact  Sulphuret  of  Lead,  or  Ga- 
lena, C.     Compact  Galena,  A.  P. 

Ext.  Char.  —  Color,  light  lead  grey  ;  occurs  in  no- 
dules, or  small  masses  ;  fracture  conchoidal  ;  structure 
fine  grained  ;  texture  close,  and  compact  ;  lustre  mod- 
erate ;  often  contains  silver. 

Var.  3.     SPECULAR  GALENA. 

Plomb  sulfure  speculaire,  H.     Specular  Galena,  A.  P.  C. 
Ext.  Char.  —  Color,  lead  grey  ;  occurs  in  extremely 
thin  coatings,  on  quartz,  and  other  subtances  ;  lustre 
splendid,  with  an  appearance  of  polish. 

Obs.  1.  This  variety,  from  its  high  lustre,  is  called  by  the  miners, 
slickensides,  or  looking-glass  lead  ore. 

2.  This  variety  is  found  chiefly  in  the  Derbyshire  lead  mines,  and 
Mr.  Phillips  states  the  curious  circumstance,  that  when  two  vein- 
stones meet,  the  surface  of  each  being  coated  with  this  variety,  there 
is  a  loud  report,  or  explosion  produced  on  separating  them,  the  frag- 
ments at  the  same  time  being  projected  in  various  directions. 

Var.  4.       ANTIMONIAL  SULPHURET  OF  LEAD. 

Plomb  sulfure  antimonifere,  H.  Triple  Sulphuret  of  Lead,  A.  An- 
timoriiated  Galena,  P.  Antimonial  Sulphuret  of  Lead,  C.  Di- 
Prismatic  Copper-Glance,  M. 

Ext.  Char.  —  Color,  steel  grey,  passing  into  dark  lead 


SULPHURET  OP  LEAD.     GALENA.  203 

grey,  or  iron  black  ;  occurs  amorphous  and  crystalliz- 
ed, in  the  form  of  rectangular  prisms,  variously  modi- 
fied ;  or  in  elongated  cubes  ;  crystals  grouped  ;  struc- 
ture lamellar,  affording  brilliant  faces  parallel  to  the 
planes  of  a  four-sided  prism  ;  brittle  ;  lustre  strongly 
metallic  ;  crystals  striated  on  certain  faces  ;  soft ; 
yields  to  the  nail :  sp.  gr.  5.7. 

Chem.  Char.  Fusible,  with  the  escape  of  white  antimonial  fumes, 
into  a  metallic  globule,  which  contains  a  bead  of  copper  at  the 
centre. 

Comp.  Lead  42.62  ;  antimony  24.23 ;  sulphur  17  ;  copper  12.8  ; 
iron  1.2. — HatcJiett. 

Dist.  Char.  The  antimonial  fumes,  which  it  emits,  and  the  glo- 
bule of  copper  surrounded  by  a  crust  of  lead  which  the  blowpipe  pro- 
duces, will  distinguish  this  variety. 

Sulphuret  of  lead  is  found  in  primitive  and  secondary  mountains, 
but  most  frequently  in  the  latter,  and  particularly  in  limestone.  In 
granite  and  limestone,  it  sometimes  constitutes  extensive  beds,  but 
more  often  occurs  in  veins  of  various  dimensions  and  extent.  It  is 
commonly  associated  with  the  ores  of  zinc,  copper,  and  iron,  and 
often  with  those  of  silver,  a  portion  of  which,  it  generally  contains. 

Loccd.  England,  is  a  great  repository  of  this  ore.  According  to 
Phillips,  the  lead  mines  of  Great  Britain,  produce  annually  from  45 
to  48,000  tons  of  smelted  lead.  This  is  extracted  almost  entirely 
from  the  sulphuret,  the  largest  proportion  of  which,  is  raised  from  the 
mines  of  England. 

France,  also  contains  its  mines  of  this  metal,  as  well  as  Saxony, 
Bohemia,  and  Spain. 

U.  S.  Perkiomen  Creek,  23  miles  from  Philadelphia,  Penn. 
The  shaft  of  this  mine  is  170  feet  deep.  Livingston's  Manor, 
Columbia  County.  Ancram.  Shawangunk  Mountain,  and  Ul- 
ster County,  N.  Y.  One  ton  from  Livingston's  mine,  is  said 
to  have  yielded  118  ounces  of  silver.  Huntington,  Southington, 
Middletown,  and  Bethlehem,  Conn.  None  of  these  are  wrought. 
Thetford,  and  Sunderland,  Vt.  Southampton,  and  Leverett,  Mass. 
The  mine  at  Southampton,  has  a  horizontal  entrance  through  the  so- 
lid granite  of  nearly  1000  feet,  and  is  expected  ultimately  to  yield 
the  best  ore,  in  large  quantities.  Counties  of  Washington,  St.  Geni- 
vieve,  Jefferson,  and  Madison,  Missouri.  The  number  of  mines  in 
these  counties,  according  to  Schoolcraft,  are  45.  The  ore  on  an 
average,  yields  from  60  to  70  per  cent,  of  metal,  and  is  found  in  an 
alluvial  deposit.  The  whole  annual  product  of  them,  is  about 
3,000,000  of  pounds.  This  ore  is  also  found  in  Illinois,  Ohio,  Indi- 
ana, Tennessee,  Maryland,  Virginia,  and  in  various  places  in  the 
North- Western  Territory. — See  Cleveland's  Mineralogy,  and  Robin- 
son's Localities. 


104         NATIVE  RED  OXIDE,  AND  CARBONATE  OF  LEAD. 

Species  3.     NATIVE  RED  OXIDE  OF  LEAD. 
Plomb  oxide  rouge,   H.     Native  Minium,  J.  A.  P.     Oxide  of 

Lead, C. 

Ext.  Char. — Color,  scarlet  red  ;  occurs  amorphous, 
in  flakes,  and  in  powder;  when  examined  by  a  lens,  it 
has  a  crystalline  structure. 

Chem.  Char.  On  charcoal,  it  is  converted  into  metallic  lead., 
Remark.  It  is  supposed  to  arise  from  the  decomposition  of  galena, 
with  which  it  occurs. 

Local.  Yorkshire,  Eng.     Siberia,  and  Westphalia. 

Far.  1.     ALUMINOUS  OXIDE  OF  LEAD. 

Hydrous  aluminate  of  Lead. — Smithson.  P.     Aluminous  Oxide  of 

Lead,  C. 

Ext.  Char. — Color,  yellow,  or  yellowish  hrown  ;  oc- 
curs in  masses  composed  of  concentric  layers  ;  lustre 
pearly,  on  certain  parts  ;  on  others  irised ;  texture 
sometimes  fibrous,  and  radiating  ;  translucent  on  the 
edges  ;  heavy ;  resembles  hyalite  in  aspect. 

Chem.  Char.  Decrepitates ;  when  slowly  heated,  turns  white  and 
opake,  but  does  not  melt.  ,With  borax,  melts  into  a  colorless  glass  : 
with  the  addition  of  nitre,  a  globule  of  lead  is  obtained. 

Comp.    Lead  40.14;  alumine  37;    water   19.90;  sulphuric  acid 
0.20  ;  oxides  of  manganese  and  iron  1.80  ;  silexO.60. — Berzelius. 
Local.  Huelgoet,  in  Brittany. 

Species  4.     CARBONATE  OF  LEAD. 

Plomb  carbonate,  H.     Di-Prismatic  Lead-Spar,  J.     Carbonate  of 
Lead,  A.  P.  C.     Di-Prismatic  Lead-Baryte,  M. 

Ext.  Char. — Colors,  white,  yellowish  white,  greyish 
white,  and  light  brown  ;  occurs  in  tabular  crystals,  in 
six-sided  prisms,  in  cuneiform  octohedrons,  in  four-sid- 
ed prisms,  and  in  double  six-sided  pyramids,  each  form 
being  subject  to  various  modifications,  by  truncation ; 
also  massive,  compact,  in  spangles,  and  pulverulent; 
fracture  uneven  ;  transparent,  or  translucent  ;  lustre 
adamantine,  passing  into  resinous ;  brittle  ;  sectile  ;  re- 
fraction double  :  sp.  gr.  6  to  7.23. 


Fig.  18.  A  six-sided  prism,  terminated  by  six-sided  pyramid? 


CARBONATE  OF  LEAD.  206 

Fig.  19  and  20.  The  same  figures  modified  by  truncation. 

Fig.  21.  A  four-sided  prism,  with  curved  faces,  terminated  by 
four-sided  pyramids,  another  common  form. 

Chem.  Char.  Decrepitates,  becomes  yellow,  then  red,  and  is  imme- 
diately reduced  to  a  globule  of  lead.  Effervesces  with  muriatic 
acid. 

Comp.  Oxide  of  lead  82  ;  carbonic  acid  16  ;  water  2. — Klaproth. 

Dist.  Char.  Its  high  specific  gravity,  will  distinguish  it  from  car- 
bonate of  lime,  and  its  effervescence  from  the  sulphates  of  barytes 
and  strontian.  Its  reduction  to  the  metallic  state,  will  indeed  distin- 
guish it  from  every  mineral  which  it  resembles. 

Obs.  1.  Crystals  of  the  carbonate  of  lead,  are  generally  grouped,  or 
aggregated,  or  intersect  each  other  in  such  a  manner,  as  to  make  it 
difficult  to  determine  their  forms. 

2.  They  are  subject  to  decomposition,  and  in  consequence,  be- 
come grey  and  opake. 

3.  When  recently  exposed,  some  specimens  are  very  beautiful. 
Carbonate  of  lead,  is  found  in  primitive  and  secondary  countries. 

It  accompanies  galena,  and  the  other  ores  of  lead  ;  also  several  of  the 
ores  of  iron,  zinc,  and  copper. 

Jameson  remarks,  that  next  to  galena,  this  is  the  most  common 
ere  of  lead,  but  that  it  never  occurs  so  abundantly,  as  to  make  it 
worth  working  by  itself. 

Local  Bohemia,  Saxony,  Siberia,  Chili,  Switzerland,  and  in  many 
of  the  lead  mines  of  England,  and  Scotland. 

U.  S.  Mine  a  Burtou,  Missouri,  incrusting  galena.  Wythe  Coun- 
ty, Vir.  Perkiomen  lead  mine,  Penn.  in  double  six-sided  pyramids 
with  truncated  summits  ;  in  six-sided  prisms,  and  in  oblique  four- 
sided  prisms. —  Wetherill.  Also  near  Lancaster,  Penn. 

Var.  1.     ACICULAR  CARBONATE  OF  LEAD. 

Plomb  carbonate  aciculaire,  H.  Acicular  Carbonate  of  Lead,  P.  C. 
Ext.  Char. — Colors,  white,  greyish,  or  yellowish 
white,  and  brownish  black  ;  occurs  in  minute  fibres,  or 
crystals,  collected  into  groups,  or  tufts ;  lustre  silky 
and  glistening ;  often  intermixed  with  malachite. 

Remark.  Some  specimens  of  this  variety,  are  remarkably  beauti- 
ful. 

Local.  Cornwall,  in  several  of  the  lead  mines. 

Var.  2.   EARTHY  CARBONATE  OF  LEAD. 

Plomb  carbonate  terreux,  H.     Earthy-Spar,  J.     Earthy  Carbonate 
of  Lead,  A.  P.  C. 

Ext.  Char. — Color,  grey,  occasionally  tinged  with 
green,  yellow,  or  red  ;  occurs  in  amorphous  masses,  in 
reniform  concretions,  and  in  crusts ;  fracture  and  as- 
pect, earthy  ;  lustre,  a  little  glossy,  or  dull ;  opake ; 


206  SULPHATE  OF  LEAD. 

sometimes  friable;  soft  arid  heavy:  sp.   gr.   4.16  to 
5.78. 

Comp.  Oxide  oflead  66  :  carbonic  acid  12 ;  water  2.2  ;  silex  10.5  : 
alumine  4.7  ;  oxides  of  tin  and  manganese  2.2. — John. 

Obs.  This  variety  differs  greatly  in  respect  to  its  composition,  ow- 
ing to  the  foreign  matter  it  is  liable  to  contain.  Sometimes  it  is  near- 
ly a  pure  carbonate  oflead,  while  other  specimens  scarcely  effervesce 
with  acids,  owing  to  admixture  with  foreign  ingredients. 

Local.  Durham,  and  Derbyshire,  in  England,  and  in  Scotland, 
with  the  other  ores  of  lead. 

Species  5.     SULPHATE  OF  LEAD. 

Plomb  sulfate,  H.     Sulphate  of  Lead,  A.  P.  C  J.     Prismatic  Lead- 

Baryte,  M. 

Ext.  Char. — Colors,  white,  greyish  white,  grey,  red, 
brown,  and  green;  occurs  massive,  and  in  small  shin- 
ing crystals  ;  in  the  form  of  rhombic  prisms  with  dihe- 
dral summits,  the  prisms  often  being  so  short  as  to  give 
them  an  octohedral  form  ;  translucent ;  transparent  in 
thin  laminae,  lustre  splendent,  and  resinous  ;  streak 
white ;  easily  scraped  by  the  knife ;  brittle :  sp.  gr. 
6.29. 

Chem.  Char.  Fusible,  and  easily  reduced  to  the  metallic  state.  In- 
soluble in  nitric  acid. 

Comp.  Oxide  of  lead  72.47  ;  sulphuric  acid  26.9;  the  residue  be- 
ing water,  iron,  manganese,  and  silex. — Stromeyer. 

Dist.  Char.  Carbonate  oflead,  which  it  resembles,  effervesces  with 
acids,  and  molybdate  of  lead  which  it  also  resembles,  is  not  easily  re- 
duced to  its  metallic  state,  by  the  blowpipe. 

It  is  found  with  sulphuret  oflead,  from  the  decomposition  of  which 
it  may  have  been  produced. 

Local.  Zellerfield,  in  theHartz,  with  the  ores  of  copper,  iron,  and 
lead.  Andalusia,  in  Spain.  Cornwall,  Anglesea,  and  Scotland. 

U.  S.  Perkiomen  lead  mine,  Penn.  in  octohedrons. —  Wetherill. 
Huntington,  Conn.  Southampton,  Mass,  in  plates,  or  tables,  on  sul- 
phuret oflead. — Meade. 

Var.   1.       SULPHATO-CARBONATE  OF  LEAD. 

Rhomboidal  carbonate  of  Lead,  Bournon.     Sulphato-Carbonate  of 
Lead,  Brooke.  P.  M. 

Ext.  Char. — Colors,  greenish,  yellowish,  or  greyish 
white ;  occurs  in  oblique  angled,  four-sided  prisms, 
terminated  by  two  planes  set  obliquely  on  the  obtuse 
angles  of  the  prism ;  crystals  always  minute,  seldom 
distinct ;  and  generally  fasciculated,  so  as  to  present  a 
fibrous  aspect ;  lustre  adamantine ;  structure  foliated ; 


MURIO-CARBONATE  OF  LEAD.  207 

cleavage  perfect,  in  two  directions ;  translucent  •  sec- 
tile  :  sp.  gr,  6.8  to  7. 

Chem.  Char.    Fusible,   but   not  easily   reduced.     Effervescence 
hardly  perceptible,  in  nitric  acid. 

Comp.  Sulphate  of  lead  53. 1  ;  carbonate  of  lead  46.9. — Brooke. 
Local  Lead  Hills,  in  Scotland. 

Var.  2.     CUPREOUS  SULPHATO-CARBONATE  OF  LEAD. 

Cupreous  Sulphate-Carbonate  of  Lead,  Brooke. 
Ext.  Char. — Color,  deep  verdigris  green,  or  bluish 
green  ;  occurs  in  minute  prismatic  crystals,  which  ap- 
pear in  small  bunches,  or  bundles,  radiating  from  a 
common  point ;  form,  broad  rectangular  prisms,  termin- 
ated by  dihedral  summits  ;  surface  streaked  ;  fracture 
uneven  ;  translucent ;  brittle  ;  soft ;  sp.  gr.  6.4. 

Comp.  Sulphate  of  lead  55.8  ;  carbonate  of  lead  32.8  ;  carbonate 
of  copper  1 1 .4. — Brooke. 

Local.  Lead  Hills,  in  Scotland. 

Var    3.       SULFATO-TRI-CARBONATE  OF  LEAD. 

Rhomboidal  Carbonate  of  Lead,  Bournon.     Sulphato-Tri-Carbonate 
of  Lead,  Brooke.  M.  P. 

Ext  CTiar.— Color,  pale  green,  yellowish,and  brownish ; 
occurs  in  prismatic  and  rhomboidal  crystals ;  primary 
form,  the  acute  rhomboid,  which  passes  by  the  replace- 
ment of  all  its  solid  angles  into  a  six-sided  prism;  trans- 
lucent ;  small  crystals,  transparent  :  sp.  gr,  6..0. 

Comp.  Sulphate  of  lead  27.5  ;  carbonate  of  lead  72.5. — Brooke. 
Local.  Lead  Hills,  Scotland,  with  the  two  preceding  varieties. 

Var.  4.     CUPREOUS  SULPHATE  OF  LEAD. 
Cupreous  Sulphate  of  Lead,  Brooke.  M.  P. 
Ext.  Char. — Color,  deep  blue,  and  beautiful  azure 
blue  ;  occurs  in  crystals  ;  primitive  form,  a  right  rhom- 
bic prism ;  occurs  also  in  twin  crystals  ;  lustre  ada- 
mantine ;  streak  pale  blue  ;  faintly  translucent ;  brittle ; 
sp.  gr.  5.3  to  5.43. 

Comp.  Sulphate  of  lead  74.4  ;  oxide  of  copper  18  ;  water  4.7. — 
Brooke. 

Local  Lead  Hills,  Scotland.     Linares,  in  Spain. 

Species  6.     MURIO-CARBONATE  OF  LEAD. 
Corneous  Lead-Ore,  J.     Murio-Carbonate  of  Lead,  P.  M.     Carbo- 
nated Muriate  qf  Lead,  C. 

Ext.  Char. — Color,  white,  with  tints  of  yellow,  green. 


208  PHOSPHATE  OF  LEAD. 

and  grey ;  streak  white  ;  occurs  in  four-sided  prisms, 
often  so  short  as  to  become  cubes  ;  also  in  rectangu- 
lar prisms,  terminated  by  four-sided  pyramids  ;  both 
kinds  variously  modified  by  truncation  ;  lustre  adaman- 
tine ;  structure  lamellar;  cleavage,  parallel  to  all  the 
planes  of  a  four-sided  prism ;  cross  fracture  conchoid- 
al  ;  transparent,  or  translucent ;  rather  sectile  ;  brittle  : 
sp.  gr.  6. 

Chem.  Char.  Fusible,  into  an  orange  colored  globule,  and  on  con- 
tinuing the  heat,  the  acid  evaporates,  and  a  minute  globule  of  lead 
remains. 

Comp.  Oxide  of  lead  85.5  ;  muriatic  acid  8.5  ;  carbonic  acid  6.5. 
— Klaproth. 

Dist.  Char.  Its  peculiar  behavior  under  the  blowpipe,  will  distin- 
guish it  from  carbonate  of  lead. 

Local.  Hausbaden,  in  Germany,  and  Matlock,  in  Derbyshire. 

U.  S.  Southampton  lead  mine.  Mass,  in  groups  of  light  green, 
nearly  transparent,  cubic  crystals,  with  four-sided  summits. — Meade. 

Species  7.     PHOSPHATE  OF  LEAD. 

Plomb   phosphate,   H.      Rhomboidal  Lead-Spar,  J.     Phosphate  of 
Lead,  A.  P.  C.     Rhombohedral  Lead-Baryte,  M. 

Ext.  Char. — Colors,  green,  brown,  grass  green, 
olive,  pistachio,  and  blackish  green  ;  sulphur  yellow, 
greenish  yellow,  wax  yellow ;  aurora  red,  hyacinth  red ; 
hair  brown,  clove  brown  ;  pearl  grey,  and  ash  grey ; 
occurs  amorphous,  in  crusts,  in  concretions,  and  in  crys- 
tals ;  form,  the  six-sided  prism,  often  truncated  on  the 
lateral  or  terminal  edges  ;  also  the  dodecahedron,  or 
double  six-sided  pyramid  ;  fracture  small  grained,  or 
uneven,  passing  into  splintery  ;  lustre  glistening,  re- 
sinous, or  adamantine  ;  crystals  sometimes  acicular, 
and  often  glouped ;  translucent ;  yields  easily  to  the 
knife  ;  brittle  ;  sp.  gr.  6  to  7. 

Chem.  Char.  Before  the  blowpipe  on  charcoal,  it  usually  decripi- 
tates,  then  melts,  and  on  cooling  forms  a  polyhedral  globule,  the  fa- 
ces of  which  present  concentric  polygons  ;  if  this  globule  be  pulver- 
ized, and  mixed  with  borax,  it  melts  into  a  milk-white  enamel,  which 
on  continuing,  the  bead  becomes  transparent,  the  lower  part  being 
studded  with  globules  of  metallic  lead. — Aikin. 

Comp.  Oxide  of  lead,  77.10;  phosphoric  acid,  19.0;  muriatic,  I. 
54  ;  oxide  of  iron,  0,10- — Klaproth. 

Dist.  Char.  It  differs  from  carbonate  of  lead,  and  carbonate  of 
copper,  in  not  effervescing  with  acids.  Its  peculiar  behaviour  un- 
der the  blowpipe,  will  distinguish  it  from  most,  if  not  all  other  sub- 
stances. 


ARSENIATE  OF  LEAD.  209 

It  is  found  in  primitive  and  secondary  rocks. 
Local  Saxony,  Bohemia,  Siberia,  Cornwall  in  several  lead  mines. 
Lead  Hill  in  Scotland.    Ireland. 

U.S.  Perkiomen  lead  mine,  Penn.     Southampton,  Mass. 

PiM*.  1.  ARSENIATED  PHOSPHATE  OF  LEAD. 

Plomb  phosphate  arsenifere,  H.     Arseniated  phosphate  of  lead,  P.  C. 

Ext.  Char. — Colors,  yellow,  and  greenish  yellow,  of 
various  shades ;  occurs  crystallized  in  the  form  of  the 
species ;  also  reniform  and  mammiliated ;  fracture 
conchoidal ;  lustre  resinous. 

Chem.  Char.  Exhales  the  arsenical  vapor,  and  yields  a  globule  of 
]ead. 

Comp.  Oxide  of  lead  76  ;  phosphoric  acid  13 ;  arsenic  acid  7  ; 
muriatic  acid  1,75;  water  5. — Klaproth. 

Local.  Saxony,  and  Rosiers  in  France. 

Var.  2.  BLUE  LEAD. 

Plomb  sulfure  epigene  prismatique,  H.      Blue  Lead,  J.  A.  P.  C. 
Hexahedral  Lead-Glanoe,  M. 

Ext.  Char. — Color,  between  lead  grey,  and  indigo 
blue ;  occurs  massive,  and  in  six-sided  prisms,  often 
somewhat  bulging,  or  with  convex  faces  ;  fracture  con- 
choidal, or  fine  grained  ;  uneven ;  lustre  glimmering  me- 
tallic ;  fragments  indeterminate  ;  soft ;  easily  frangi- 
ble ;  opake ;  sp.  gr.  5.46. 

Chem.  Char.  Fusible,  with  the  emission  of  sulphureous  vapors,  a 
part  of  the  globule  being  reduced,  while  the  other  part,  on  cooling 
crystallizes  in  dodecahedrons. 

O6s.  Prof.  Silliman  supposes  this  to  be  a  mixture  of  the  sulphuret, 
and  the  phosphate  of  lead,  in  which  opinion  he  is  followed  by  Prof. 
Mohs. 

Local.  Huelgoet,  in  France,  and  in  Saxony. 

Species  7.  ARSENIATE  OF  LEAD. 
Plomb  arsenic,  H.     Arseniate  of  Lead,  J.  A.  P.  C. 

Ext.  Char. — Colors,  grass  green,  wine  yellow,  hair 
brown,  and  yellowish  white  ;  occurs  in  small  slender 
six-sided  crystals,  either  perfect  or  with  truncated 
edges,  and  in  minute  crystals,  gathered  into  bundles, 
and  so  arranged  as  to  assume  the  general  appearance 
of  six-sided  prisms  ;  translucent,  rarely  transparent ; 
when  transparent  scratches  glass ;  lustre  resinous; 
brittle  ;  also  occurs  in  mammillary  concretions,  and  in 
filaments,  with  a  silken  lustre,  sp.  gr.  5  to  6.4, 


210  MOLYBDATE    OF  LEAD. 

Client.  Char.  Gives  out  arsenical  vapors,  and  is  reduced  to  metallic 
lead.  It  does  not  effervesce  with  acids. 

Comp.  Oxide  of  lead  69.76  ;  arsenic  acid  26.4  ;  muriatic  acid  1. 
58  —Gregor. 

Local.  Cornwall,  and  Devonshire,  in  several  of  the  lead  minee.  St 
Prix,  in  the  department  of  Saone,  in  France. 

Var.    1.     RENIFORM    ARSENIATE  OP  LEAD. 

Reniform  Arseniate  of  Lead,  P.  A.  C. 

Ext.  Char. — Color,  brownish  red,  passing  into  straw 
yellow  ;  occurs  in  reniform  masses  ;  fracture  conchoi- 
dal ;  lustre  glistening,  resinous ;  opake ;  soft ;  brittle : 
sp.  gr.  3.9. 

Chem.  Char.  Fusible,  with  arsenical  vapor,  into  a  black  globule, 
out  of  which  oozes  little  globules  of  metallic  lead. 

Comp.  Lead  25  :  oxide  of  iron  14 ;  silver  1,15  ;  arsenic  acid  25  : 
silex  7  ;  alnmine  2  ;  water  10. — Bindheim. 

Dist.  Char.  Arseniate  of  lead  differs  from  the  carbonate,  the  mo- 
libdate,  and  the  phosphate  of  lead,  by  the  emission  of  the  garlic  odor, 
when  heated  ;  also,  the  carbonate  effervesces,  the  molybdate  is  with 
difficulty  reduced,  and  the  phosphate  crystallizes  in  polyhedrous 
coating. 

Local.  Nertschinsk,  in  Siberia. 

Swedes.  8.  MOLYBDATE  OF  LEAD. 
Plomb  molybdate,  H.  Yellow  Lead  Spar,  J.   Molybdate  of  Lead,  A. 

P.  C.     Pyramidal  Lead-Baryte,  M. 

Ext.  Char. — Colors,  wax,  or  honey  yellow,  passing 
into  lemon,  or  orange  yellow,  and  brownish  yellow ; 
occurs  in  crystals,  and  rarely  massive  ;  form,  the  octo- 
hedron,  variously  modified  •  sometimes  it  is  truncated 
on  all  its  angles,  or  on  the  solid  angles  of  the  summits 
only:  sometimes  it  is  found  in  four-sided  tables,  or 
nearly  in  the  form  of  a  cube,  or  parallelepiped,  or 
eight-sided  table,  either  truncated  or  bevelled  ;  some- 
times these  table  so  intersect  each  other,  as  to  give 
the  mass  a  cellular  structure :  fracture  imperfectly 
conchoidal ;  soft ;  brittle  ;  yields  to  the  knife ;  lustre 
waxy  ;  sp.  gr.  5.9. 

^  /N/* 

v^^;:;:x 

"•^-  N Y^S          _    .  ,- 

Fig.  22.  The  octohedron,  truncated  on  all  its  solid  angle?. 


CHROMATE  OP  LEAD.  211 

Pig.  23.  An  eight-sided  table,  produced  by  the  deep  truncation  of 
all  the  angles  of  an  octohedron,  forming  the  table ;  and  the  truncation^ 
of  the  common  base,  producing  the  eight-sides. 

Fig.  24.  Another  secondary  form,  in  which  the  solid  angles  are 
truncated,  with  the  truncation  of  the  edges  of  the  common  base,  in 
form  of  a  scalene  triangle. 

Chem.  Char.  Fusible  into  a  dark  grey  mass,  which  by  the  utmost 
effort  of  the  blowpipe,  yields  globules  of  lead.  Soluble,  without  ef- 
fervescence, in  hot  nitric  acid. 

Comp.  <  >xide  of  lead  64.42  ;  molybdic  acid  34.25. — Klaproth. 

Dist.  Char.  It  differs  from  the  carbonate,  and  sulphate  of  lead,  in 
the  difficulty  of  its  reduction.  The  arseniate  of  lead,  emits  the  gar- 
lic odor  ;  the  phosphate  is  not  reduced  without  a  flux,  and  the  muri- 
ate of  lead,  emits  the  smell  of  muriatic  acid.  Its  sp.  gr.  will  distin- 
guish it  from  the  earthy  minerals. 

Local  Bleyberg,  in  Carinthia,  Zimapan  in  Mexico.  Annaberg 
in  Austria,  and  in  the  Tyrol. 

U.  S.  Perkiomen  lead  mine,  Penn.  where  it  occurs  in  quadrangu- 
lar tables,  variously  modified. — Conrad.  Southampton  lead  mine, 
Mass,  in  small  tabular  crystals,  of  a  dark  wax  yellow. — Mtade. 

Species  9.  CHROMATE  OF  LEAD. 

Plomb  chromate,  H.     Red  Lead-Spar,  J.      Chromate  of  Lead,  A. 
P.  C.     Hemi-Prismatic   Lead-Baryte,  M. 

Ext.  Char. — Colors,  orange,  or  aurora  red,  or  hya- 
cinth red,  always  rich  and  beautiful ;  occurs  crystal- 
lized, and  rarely  massive ;  form,  the  rectangular  four- 
sided  prism,  variously  modified  ;  also  the  compressed 
eight-sided  prism,  with  two,  three,  or  four-sided  ter- 
minations ;  crystals  often  broad  and  flat ;  sometimes 
striated,  and  generally  incomplete,  their  geometrical 
characters  being  difficult  to  determine ;  lustre  resi- 
nous ;  translucent;  yields  to  the  knife  ;  brittle  ;  sp. 
gr.  t>. 

Chem.  Char.  Fusible,  with  crackling,  into  a  greyish  slag  ;  tinges 
borax  green, 

Comp.  Oxide  of  lead  63.96.  chromic  acid  36.40. — Klaproth. 

Dist.  Char  It  differs  from  the  sulphuret  of  arsenic,  from  red  an- 
timonial  silver,  and  from  cinnabar,  in  this  respect,  that  all  these  are 
more  or  less  volatile  under  the  blowpipe,  while  the  present  spe- 
cies is  fixed. 

Local.  Beregof,  in  Siberia,  in  a  gold  mine,  Cocaes,  in  Brazil,  and 
Zimapan  in  Mexico. 

Obs.  The  native  chromate  of  lead,  is  a  rare,  and  scarce  mineral. 
The  artificial  chromate  is  of  a  beautiful  bright  yellow,  and  is  employ- 
ed with  oil,  in  the  finer  kinds  of  painting. 

The  chromic  acid,  used  in  the  manufacture  of  this  article,  is  ex- 
tracted by  a  chemical  process,  from  the  chromate  of  iron. 


212  BISMUTH.     NATIVE  BISMUTH. 

This  paint  is  manufactured  at  Philadelphia,  the  chromic  acid  be- 
ing obtained  from  the  chromate  of  iron,  which  is  found  near  Balti- 
more. 

Var.  1.  CUPREOUS  CHROMATE  OF  LEAD. 

Vaquelinite.       Chromate  of  lead  arid  Copper,   P.      Cupreous  Chro- 
mate of  lead,  C.     Vauquelinite.     Malachite,  M. 

Ext.  Char. — Colors,  olive  green,  and  blackish  green ; 
occurs  in  minute  six-sided  crystals,  irregularly  aggre- 
gated, and  frequently  constituting  thin  crusts,"  and 
sometimes  in  botryoidal,  or  stalactical  masses  ;  lustre 
adamantine  ;  faintly  translucent ;  rather  brittle  ;  some- 
times is  interspersed  with  chromate  of  lead. 

Chetn.  Char.  Intumesces,  and  melts  into  a  greyish  globule,  sur- 
rounded with  little  globules  of  metallic  lead. 

Comp.  Oxide  of  lead  60.78;  oxide  of  copper  10.80;  chromic  acid 
28.33.— Berzelius. 

Local  Siberia,  and  Brazil,  with  the  chromate  of  lead. 

Genus  7.— BISMUTH. 

Color,  when  pure,  reddish  white  ;  lustre  brilliant ;  texture  foliated  ; 
softer  than  copper  ;  breaks  when  struck  smartly  with  a  hammer  ; 
melts  at  476,  Fah. ;  and  if  the  heat  be  increased,  evaporates  in  the 
form  of  yellow  oxide  :  may  be  distilled  in  a  close  vessel ;  sp.  gr  9.82. 

Uses.  It  enters  into  the  composition  of  printing  types.  Its  oxides 
are  employed  as  paints,  and  in  medicine. 

The  ores  of  Bismuth  are  feiv,  and  rarely  met  with. 

Species  1.  NATIVE  BISMUTH. 

Bismuth  natif,  H.     Octohedral  Bismuth,  J.  M.     Native  Bismuth,  A. 

P.  C. 

Ext.  Char. — Color,  silver  white,  with  a  tinge  of  cop- 
per red ;  occurs  amorphous,  plumose,  and  reticulated  ; 
also  crystallized  in  the  form  of  octohedrons  and  cubes  ; 
structure  lamellar,  with  joints  parallel  to  the  planes 
of  an  octohedron ;  soft;  lustre  brilliant;  subject  to 
tarnish  ;  sp.  gr.  9. 

Chem.  Char.  Easily  fusible,  and  by  continuing  the  heat,  evaporates 
in  the  form  of  a  yellow  oxide.  Soluble  in  nitric  acid,  but  is  precipi- 
tated on  dilution  with  water. 

Dist.  Char.  Native  bismuth  differs  from  the  sulphuretof  bismuth, 
in  not  giving  out  the  sulphureous  odor  when  heated ;  the  sulphuret  is 
also  of  a  pale  lead  grey  color,  instead  of  reddish  white  ;  its  want  of 
malleability,  and  easy  fusion  will  distinguish  it  from  native  silver,  and 
native  copper,  and  its  color  will  distinguish  it  from  native  antimony 


SULPHURET  OF  BISMUTH.  213 

It  is  found  in  primitive  rocks,  and  particularly  in  quartz,  gneiss,  and 
mica  slate,  where  it  is  generally  associated  with  cobalt3  arsenic,  and 
silver. 

Local  Saxony,  Bohemia,  Swabia,  Norway,  and  England,  each  con- 
tain localities  of  this  metal. 

U.  S.  Huntington,  Conn,  in  broad  plates  disseminated  in  a  vein 
of  quartz. — Silliman.  Also  Trumbull,  Conn,  in  tabular  masses,  with 
the  sulphurets  of  iron,  and  lead. — Phillips. 

Species.  2.  SULPHURET  OF  BISMUTH. 

Bismuth  sulfure,  H.     Prismatic  Bismuth-Glance,  J.  M.     Sulphuret- 
ted Bismuth,  A.     Sulphuret  of  Bismuth,  P.  C. 

Ext.  Char. — Color,  between  lead  grey,  and  tin  white ; 
occurs  amorphous,  lamelliform,  and  acicular ;  struc- 
ture foliated,  or  fibrous ;  cleavage  of  the  foliated,  paral- 
lel to  the  sides,  and  shorter  diagonal  of  a  rhombic 
prism  ;  sometimes  occurs  in  fibrous  radiating  masses  ; 
lustre  shining,  metallic  ;  soft ;  brittle ;  streak  unchang- 
ed :  sp.gr.  6. 

Chem.  Char.  Fusible  by  the  flame  of  a  candle  ;  under  the  blowpipe, 
gives  the  flame  and  odor  of  sulphur,  and  is  chiefly  volatilized,  the 
residue  being  with  difficulty  reduced  to  its  metallic  state. 

Comp.  Bismuth  60  ;  sulphur  40. — Sage. 

Dist.  Char.  It  differs  from  native  bismuth,  in  color,  and  in  giving 
the  fumes  of  sulphur,  under  the  blow  pipe.  Sulphuret  of  lead  is  ea- 
sily reduced  to  a  metallic  globule  ;  sulphuret|,of  antimony  disappears 
entirely  before  the  blowpipe. 

Local  These  are  much  the  same  with  those  of  native  bismuth, 
with  which  it  is  commonly  found. 

Var.  1.     CUPREOUS  SULPHURET  OF  BISMUTH. 

Cupreous  Bismuth,   J.     Cupriferous  Sulphuret   of  Bismuth,  A.  P. 
Cupreous  Sulphuret  of  Bismuth,  C. 

Ext.  Char. — Colors,  lead  grey,  or  steel  grey,  passing 
into  tin  white,  with  a  reddish,  or  yellowish  tarnish  ; 
occurs  massive,  disseminated,  and  acicular ;  fracture 
uneven ;  streak  black  ;  opake ;  sectile. 

Comp.  Bismuth  47.24  ;  copper  34.66  ;  sulphur  12.58 — Klaproth. 
Local  Near  Wittichen,  in  Furstenburg,  with  native  bismuth,  and 
pyritous  copper. 

Var.  2.       PLUMBO-CUPREOUS  SULPHURET  OF  BISMUTH. 

Bismuth  sulfure  plumbo-cuprifere,  H.  Plumbo-Cupreous  Sulphuret  of 

Bismuth,  C. 

Ext.  Char — Color,  steel  grey,  with  a  yellowish  tar- 
nish ;  occurs  amorphous,  disseminated,  and  in  acicular 
prisms,  striated  longitudinally ;  structure  lamellar ; 


214  OXIDE  OP  BISMUTH.     NATIVE  NICKEL. 

lustre,  shining,  metallic ;  yields  ea&ily  to  the  knife  :  sp. 
gr.  6. 

Chem.  Char.  Fusible,  with  sulphureous  vapor,  after  which  it 
emits  sparkling  metallic  globules,  and  on  continuing  the  heat,  there 
remains  a  mixture  of  copper  and  lead,  which  tinges  borax  green. 
Effervesces  in  acids. 

Comp.  Bismuth  43.2  ;  lead  24.3;  copper  12.1  ;  nickel  1.5  ;  tel- 
lurium 1.3;  sulphur  11. 5. — John. 

Local.  Near  Beresof,  in  Siberia,  imbedded  in  quartz. 

Species  3.    OXIDE  OF  BISMUTH. 

Bismuth  oxide,  H.  Bismuth  Ochre,  J.  A.  P.  Oxide  of  Bismuth,  C. 
Ext.  Char. — Color,  greenish,  or  yellowish  grey  ;  oc- 
curs massive,  and  pulverulent ;  fracture  earthy  ;  struc- 
ture imperfectly  lamellar  ;  opake  ;  soft ;  dull  ;  and 
brittle  :  sp.  gr.  about  4.37. 

Chem.  Char.  Easily  reduced,  on  charcoal,  to  the  metallic  state.  So- 
luble in  nitric  acid. 

Comp.  Oxide  of  bismuth  86.3 ;  oxide  of  iron  5.2  ;  carbonic  acid 
4.1  ;  water  3.4. — Lampidius. 

Genus  8.— NICKEL. 

Pure  nickel  is  of  a  brilliant  white  color,  resembling  silver.  It  is 
malleable,  both  hot  and  cold.  It  is  not  so  hard  as  wrought  iron,  and 
like  it,  is  magnetic.  It  fuses  at  160^,  Wedgewood.  In  nitric  acid, 
it  gives  a  greenish  solution  ;  tarnishes  by  heat,  and  runs  through 
nearly  the  same  changes  that  heated  steel  does  :  sp.  gr.  9. 

Nickel  is  not  an  abundant  metal.  Its  ores  are  few  in  number,  and 
rarely  found. 

Species  1.    NATIVE  NICKEL. 
Nickel  natif,  H.     Native  Nickel,  J.  A.  P.  C.  M. 

Ext.  Char. — Color,  when  fresh  broken,  pale  yellow, 
with  a  tinge  of  grey ;  occurs  in  slightly  flexible  needles, 
or  filaments,  or  in  tables  placed  on  each  other  ;  not 
magnetic. 

Chem.  Char.  Partially  melts,  and  becomes  magnetic  and  mallea- 
ble. 

Comp.  Nickel,  with  a  small  portion  of  arsenic,  and  xiobalt,  which 
seems  to  destroy  its  magnetism. 

Local.  Hartz,  Saxony,  Bohemia,  near  Salzburg,  and  Cornwall. 

It  is  also  found  in  nearly  every  meteoric  stone,  which  has  been  an- 
alyzed. 


ARSENICAL,  AND  ARSENIATE  OF   NICKEL.       PIMELITE.    215 

Species  2.    ARSENICAL  NICKEL. 

Nickel  arsenical,  H      Prismatic  Nickel  Pyrites,  J.     Copper  Nickel, 
A.  P.     Arsenical  Nickel,  C.     Prismatic  Nickel-Pyrites,  M. 

Ext.  C/w*r.—Colors,  copper  red,  or  yellowish  red ;  ac- 
quires a  dark  tarnish  by  exposure ;  occurs  reticulated, 
botryoidal,  and  massive  ;  fracture  imperfectly  con- 
choidal ;  lustre,  shining  metallic  ;  yields  with  difficul- 
ty to  the  knife  ;  sometimes  gives  sparks  with  steel ; 
said  to  occur  in  four,  or  six-sided  prisms  :  sp.  gr.  6.60 
to  7.70. 

Chem.  Char.  Gives  out  arsenical  vapors,  and  melts  with  difficulty 
into  a  scoria,  interspersed  with  metallic  globules.  Forms  a  green 
solution  in  warm  nitric  acid. 

Comp.  Nickel  44.2  ;  arsenic  54.7  ;  iron,  lead,  and  sulphur,  in 
small  portions. — Stromeyer. 

Dist.  Char.  It  has- a  strong  resemblance  to  native  copper,  but  cop- 
per is  malleable,  and  does  not  emit  arsenical  vapors.  From  pyri- 
tous  copper,  it  may  be  known  by  its  garlic  odor,  and  its  difficult  re- 
duction. 

It  is  found  in  primitive  rocks,  with  the  ores  of  cobalt,  copper,  and 
silver. 

Local.  Saxony,  Bohemia,  France,  Spain,  and  Cornwall. 

U.  S.  Chatham,  Conn,  in  a  hornblende  rock,  associated  with  co- 
balt.—  Torrey.  Frederic  County,  Md. 

Species  3.     ARSENITE  OF  NICKEL. 

Nickel  oxide,  H.     Nickel  Ochre.     Arseniate  of  Nickel,  P.     Nickel- 
ochre,  A.     Arsenite  of  Nickel,  C. 

Ext.  Char. — Color,  apple,  or  grass  green,  and  green- 
ish white ;  occurs  in  the  state  of  a  powder  adhering  to, 
and  coating  other  minerals,  and  particularly  arsenical 
nickel ;  also,  more  or  less  compact,  and  of  a  fine  apple 
green  color  ;  opake,  or  feebly  translucent. 

Chem.  Char.  Fusible,  and  reducible  with  borax,  to  the  metallic 
state,  exhaling  a  strong  odor  of  arsenic.  Dissolves  in  acids  without 
effervescence. 

Comp.  Oxide  of  nickel  37.4  ;  arsenious  acid  37  ;  water  24.3  ;  ox- 
ide of  iron  1.1  ;  sulphuric  acid  0.2. — Stromeyer.  ^ 

Dist.  Char.  The  carbonate  of  copper,  which  it  sometimes  resem- 
bles, effervesces  with  acids,  and  turns  black  when  heated.  The  ox- 
ide of  bismuth  is  easily  reduced,  and  soon  evaporated,  by  the  blow- 
pipe. 

Species  4.    PTMELITE. 
Pimelit,  W.     Nickel  oxyde,  Bt.     Pimelite,  J  P.  C. 

Ext.  Vhar. — Colors,  apple  green,  or  greenish  yellow ; 


216  PIMELITE.      ARSENICAL  COBALT. 

occurs  in  crusts,  or  small  indurated  masses  ;  fracture, 
and  texture,  earthy  ;  lustre  glimmering,  or  dull  ;  soft ; 
unctuous  to  the  touch. 

Chem.  Char.  Infusible,  but  turns  dark  grey,  and  loses  a  part  of  its 
weight. 

Comp.  Oxide  of  nickel  15.62  ;  silex  35  ;  alumine  5.10  ;  lime  0.40  ; 
magnesia  1.25  ;  water  37.91. — Klaproth. 

Local.  Silesia,  in  several  places,  where  it  is  associated  with  chry- 
soprase,  in  veins  traversing  serpentine. 

U.  S.  New  Fane,  N.  H.  color  apple  green  ;  envelopes  chryso*- 
prase.  Discovered  by  Mr.  Field. 

Genus  9.— COBALT. 

Color,  when  pure,  greyish  white,  with  a  tinge  of  copper  red ;  lus- 
tre, approaching  brilliant  ;  melting  point,  130°  Wedgewood  ;  brittle, 
and  reducible  to  powder  in  a  mortar  ;  not  liable  to  oxidate  on  expo- 
sure to  the  air,  or  if  kept  under  water  :  sp.  gr.  8.7. 

Obs.  Cobalt  has  not  been  found  in  the  native  state. 

Uses.  Cobalt,  in  its  metallic  state,  has  not  been  applied  to  any  use ; 
but  in  the  state  of  an  oxide,  it  is  an  article  of  considerable  conse- 
quence in  the  arts.  Zaffree  is  an  impure  oxide  of  cobalt,  which 
when  fused  with  a  certain  quantity  of  glass,  forms  smalt.  Smalt,  is 
of  a  deep  and  rich  blue  color,  and  is  the  substance  which  gives  the 
blue  color  to  china-ware,  to  enamel,  glass,  porcelain,  &,c.  Paper, 
and  linen,  also  receive  their  bluish  tinge  from  smalt. 

Remark.  The  name,  cobalt,  according  to  Beckmann,  comes  from 
cobalus,  a  title  which  the  German  miners  gave  to  an  imaginary  spirit, 
which  they  formerly  believed  haunted  certain  mines.  This  name 
was  given  to  the  ores  of  cobalt,  because,  like  an  evil  spirit,  they 
thwarted  the  hopes  of  the  miners,  by  raising  great  expectations  when 
nothing  in  fact  was  to  be  realized,  the  uses  of  cobalt  being  then  en- 
tirely unknown.  It  was  once  customary,  therefore,  says  the  same 
author,  to  introduce  into  the  church  service,  a  prayer,  "  that  God 
would  protect  miners,  and  their  works,  from  kobalts,  and  spirits." 

Its  uses  as  a  coloring  matter,  were  discovered  in  about  1640. 

Species  1.     ARSENICAL  COBALT. 

Cobalt  Arsenical,  H.     Octohedral  Cobalt  Pyrites,  J.  M.     Arsenical 
Cobalt,  A.  C.     Tin  White  Cobalt,  P. 

Ext.  Char. — Color,  tin,  or  silver  white,  tarnished  ex- 
ternally greyish,  or  reddish  ;  occurs  amorphous,  arbo- 
rescent, reticulated,  stalactical,  and  crystallized  in  the 
form  of  cubes,  and  octohedrons  with  their  varieties  ; 
crystals  often  exhibit  cracks,  and  convex  surfaces ;  lus- 
tre, glistening  and  metallic  ;  yields  with  difficulty  to 
the  knife  ;  brittle  :  sp.  gr.  7.3. 


ARSENICAL  COBALT.  217 

Chem.  Char.  Before  the  blowpipe,  it  gives  out  a  copious  arsenical 
vapor,  on  the  first  impression  of  the  heat ;  it  melts  only  partially,  and 
that  with  great  difficulty,  and  is  not  attractable  by  the  magnet  ;  on  t,ie 
addition  of  borax,  it  immediately  melts  into  a  grey  metallic  globule, 
coloring  the  borax  of  a  deep  blue. — Aikin.  In  the  flame  of  a  candle, 
it  emits  arsenical  vapors. 

Dist.  Char.  The  present  species,  differs  from  grey  cobalt,  in  be- 
ing of  a  more  compact,  or  granular  texture,  instead  of  being  lamellar  ; 
and  in  emitting  the  odor  of  arsenic,  when  exposed  to  the  llame  of  a 
candle.  From  arsenical  iron,  it  differs,  in  giving  a  blue  color  to  bo- 
rax, and  from  antimonial  silver  by  the  same  test,  arid  also  by  its  gar- 
lic odor,  which  the  silver  does  not  emit. 

Comp.  Cobalt  44  ;  arsenic  55 ;  sulphur  0.50. — Klaproth. 

Var.  1.       GREY  ARSENICAL   COBALT. 

Cobalt  gris,  H.     Hexahedral  Cobalt  Pyrites,  J.  M.     Bright  White 
Cobalt,  A.  P.     Grey  Cobalt,  C. 

Ext.  Char. — Color,  tin  white,  with  a  tinge  of  copper 
red  ;  occurs  dentritic,  botryoidal,  and  crystallized  in 
cubes  and  octohedrons,  variously  truncated,  and  per- 
fectly similar  to  those  of  the  sulphuret  of  iron  ;  struc- 
ture lamellar ;  cleavage,  parallel  to  the  planes  of  the 
cube  ;  yields  with  difficulty  to  the  knife  ;  not  brittl  e  ; 
lustre  metallic,  shining  :  sp.  gr.  6.33  to  fi.4/j. 

Chem.  Char.  Turns  black,  and  as  it  grows  red  hot,  emits  arseni- 
cal fumes,  and  is  finally  reduced  to  a  metallic  globule,  which  is  mag- 
n  etic. — Phillips. 

Comp.  Cobalt  33.1  ;  arsenic  43.5  ;  sulphur  20.1  ;  iron  3.2.— Stro- 
meyer. 

Dist.  Char.  The  marks  of  distinction,  between  this  variety  and  the 
species,  has  already  been  pointed  out.  All  the  ores  of  cobalt  are  ea- 
sily distinguished  from  other  minerals,  by  the  deep  blue  they  give  to 
borax. 

Obs.  The  present  species  and  its  variety,  are  the  ores  chiefly 
wrought  for  the  purpose  of  obtaining  cobalt,  for  commercial  pur- 
poses. 

Arsenical  cobalt  occurs  in  veins,  traversing  primitive  rocks,  asso- 
ciated with  nickel,  bismuth,  silver,  arsenic,  and  copper. 

Local.  Cornwall,  and  near  Dartmoor,  in  England.  Tunaberg,  in 
Sweden.  Queerback,  in  Silesia.  Norway,  Sweden.  Friberg,  Ma- 
rienberg,  and  Annaberg,  in  Saxony 

U.  S  Chatham,  Conn,  in  a  hornblende,  and  mica-slate  rock.  This 
mine  was  wrought  50  years  since,  and  abandoned.  Another  attempt 
has  also  been  made  within  a  few  years,  but  the  ore  was  found  too 
poor  to  make  it  profitable,  and  it  is  again  abandoned. 

Obs.  Nearly  all  the  zaffree  and  smalt,  used  in  commerce,  come 
from  Saxony,  where  the  cobalt  mines  have  been  long  wrought,  with 
great  profit. 

28 


218      SULPHURET,  AND  ARSENIATE  OF  COBALT. 

Species  2.  SULPHURET  OF  COBALT  AND  COPPER. 

Cobalt  sulfure,  Lucas.     Cobalt  Kies,  J.  M.     Sulphuret  of  Cobalt, 

P.  C. 

Ext.  Char. — Color,  white,  yellowish  white,  or  grey- 
ish ;  occurs  massive  and  botryoidal ;  fracture  une- 
ven, conchoidal  ;  presenting  a  granular  surface  ;  lustre 
brilliant ;  cleavage  indistinct ;  semi-hard. 

Chem.  Char.  Emits  a  sulphureous  odor,  and  melts  into  a  metallic 
globule,  which  gives  the  blue  color  to  borax 

Camp.  Cobalt  43.29;  copper  14.40;  iron  3.53;  sulphur  38.  50.— 
Hisinger. 

Local.  Riddarhyttan,  in  Sweden. 

Species  3.  EARTHY  COBALT. 

Cobalt  oxide  noir,  H.     Black  Cobalt-ochre,  J.  M.     Earthy  Cobalt, 
A.  P.     Oxide  of  Cobalt,  C. 

Ext.  Char. — Color,  bluish,  and  brownish  black,  black- 
ish brown,  and  yellowish  grey ;  occurs  botryoidal,  sta- 
lactic,  and  massive  ;  structure  impalpable  ;  sometimes 
friable ;  fracture,  earthy ;  lustre,  none ;  acquires  a  re- 
sinous lustre  by  rubbing ;  soils  a  little ;  sp.  gr.  2.2. 

Chem.  Char.  Gives  out  the  arsenical  smell,  and  tinges  borax  smalt 
blue. 

Comp.  It  consists  of  the  oxides  of  cobalt  and  manganese.— 
Mohs. 

It  occurs  only  in  small  quantities,  and  is  found  in  secondary 
rocks. 

Local  Schneeberg  in  Saxony  ;  Saalfield  in  Thuringia  ;  in  Hes- 
sia,  and  at  Alderly  Edge,  in  England. 

Uses.  It  is  employed  in  the  preparation  of  smalt,  and  is  sometimes 
a  valuable  ore. 

Species  4.  ARSENIATE  OF  COBALT. 

Cobalt  arseniate,  H.  Prismatic  Red  Cobalt,  J.  Red  Cobalt,  Co- 
balt Bloom,  A.  P.  Prismatic  Cobalt-Mica,  M.  Arseniate  of  Co- 
balt, C. 

Ext.  Char. — Colors,  crimson  red,  peach  blossom  red, 
cochineal  red,  and  somtimes  pearl  grey,  or  greenish 
grey  ;  occurs  in  botryoidal,  and  reniform  masses,  also  in- 
vesting, earthy,  slaggy,  and  in  acicular,  radiating,  or  di- 
verging crystals ;  crystals  translucent ;  massive,  opake 
and  dull ;  soft ;  yields  to  the  knife,  and  sometimes  to 
the  nail ;  thin  laminae,  flexible  ;  sp.  gr.  2.9. 

Chem.  Char.  Emits  copious  arsenical  fumes,  and  tinges  borax  smalt 
blue. 


SULPHATE  OF  COBALT.   NATIVE  IRON.       219 

Comp.  Oxide  of  cobalt  39;  arsenic  acid  37;  water  22. — Bu- 
cholz. 

Dist.  Char.  The  blue  color  it  gives  to  borax  will  distinguish  it 
from  red  oxide  of  copper,  the  red  oxide  of  iron,  and  the  sulphuret  of 
mercury. 

It  occurs  in  veins,  traversing  rocks  of  various  ages,  and  in  beds. 
It  may  be  considered  a  common  ore  of  cobalt,  and  sometimes  occurs 
in  sufficient  quantities  for  the  manufacture  of  smalt. 

Local.  Schneeberg  and  Annaberg  in  Saxony,  Thuringia,  Bieber, 
in  Hessia. 

U.  S.  Chatham  Conn,  of  a  peach  blossom  red,  in  crusts,  dissem- 
inated in  felspar. —  Torrey. 

Species  5.  SULPHATE  OF  COBALT. 

Red  Vitriol,   Sulphate  of  Cobalt,   J.   A.  P.  M.     Sulphate  of  Ce- 

balt,  C. 

Ext.  Char. — Color,  pale  rose  red  ;  occurs  in  small 
masses  of  a  crystalline  appearance,  and  sometimes 
stalactical ;  translucent ;  taste  styptic,  friable. 

Chem.  Char.  Tinges  borax  pale  blue. 

Comp.    Cobalt  38.71 ;    sulphuric  acid    19.74  ;    water  41.55. — 
Koppe. 
Local.  Bieber  in  Hessia,  and  in  Hungary, 

Genus  10.— IRON. 

Of  all  the  metals,  this  is  the  most  universally  diffused,  and  of  the 
greatest  use  to  man. 

Its  ores  are  very  numerous,  and  many  of  them  very  beautiful  and 
highly  interesting.  The  color,  and  many  of  the  properties  of  pure 
iron  are  too  generally  known  to  require  any  description.  In  its 
soft  state,  it  is  one  of  the  most  ductile  of  all  the  metals,  and  in  the 
form  of  steel  it  is  the  hardest  of  all  metallic  bodies. 

In  general  the  ores  of  iron  are  easily  detected  by  their  magnetic 
property.  Many  of  them,  as  the  oxides  and  sulphurets,  which  are 
not  magnetic,  in  their  original  state,  become  so  on  being  submitted 
to  the  blowpipe  on  charcoal,  with  the  addition  of  a  little  tallow. 

The  specific  gravity  of  pure  iron  is  7.7. 

Species  I.  NATIVE  IRON. 

Fernatif,  H.  Native  Iron,  A.  P.  C.  Octohedral  Iron,  J.  M, 
Ext.  Char. — Color,  pale  steel  grey,  approaching  that 
of  platina  ;  occurs  massive,  reticulated  and  cellular ; 
fracture  hackly  ;  malleable ;  magnetic ;  not  easily  ox- 
idated ;  has  rarely  occurred  in  octohedral  crystals ; 
sp.  gr.  7.7. 

Chem.  Char.  Dissolves  with  effervescence  in  all  the  strong  acids 
Its  solutions  strike  a  black  color,  with  tincture  of  nut-galls. 


220  NATIVE  IRON. 

Comp.  (From  Saxony.)  Iron  92.50  ;  lead  6  ;  copper  l.&.  — 
Klaproth. 

Local.  Near  Grenoble  in  France,  mingled  with  quartz  and  clay. 
Near  Steinback  in  Saxony,  in  a  gangue  of  garnets. 


1.    METEORIC  NATIVE  IRON. 

Fer  natif  meteorique.  Meteoric  Native  Iron,  J.  A.  P.  C. 
Ext.  Char.  —  Color,  pale  steel  grey,  usually  covered 
with  a  coat  of  what  appears  to  be  brown  oxide  of  iron  ; 
occurs  massive,  globular,  and  rarely  in  octohedral  crys- 
tals ;  lustre  metallic  ;  texture  compact,  or  porous  ;  mal- 
leable ;  sp.  gr.  6.4K,  to  7.57. 

Comp.  (Siberian)  Metallic  iron  98.5  ;  nickel  1  5. 

C6s.  1.  Nearly  every  specimen  of  native  meteoric  iron  which  has 
been  examined,  has  been  found  to  contain  nickel,  in  small  propor- 
tions, as  from  1.5.  to  10  per  cent. 

2.  Masses  of  meteoric  iron,  have  been  found  in  various  parts  of  the 
world. 

3.  Profe  ssor  Pallas  in  his  travels,  states  that  he  found  on  the  top 
of  a  mountain  in  Siberia,  a  mass  of  native  iron  weighing  1680  pounds. 
It  was  malleable  and  flexible.    The  inhabitants  reported  to  him,  that 
it  fell  from  the  sky. 

4.  A   mass,  now  in   the  imperial  cabinet  of  Vienna,   came   from 
Agrarn,  in  Croatia.     It   was  seen  by  the  inhabitants  to  fall  from  the 
air,  and  is  said  to  have  appeared  like  a  globe   of  fire.     This  event 
happened  in  1751. 

5.  In  the  province  of  Tucuman,  in  South  America,  in  the  midst  of 
a  large  plain,  Don  Rubin  de  Celis  describes  a  mass  of  native  iron, 
weighing  about  30,000  pounds.     It   had  an  irregular  indented  sur- 
face, and  internally  presented  many  cavities.     It  contains    10  per 
cent,  of  nickel. 

6.  A  mass  found  in  Prussia,  is  said   to  have   weighed   1,600 
pounds. 

7.  A  mass  found  at  Bithborg  in   France,   is   mentioned  by   Col. 
Gibbs.     It  weighed,    by  estimation,   about  2.500  pounds,     In  some 
parts  it  is  so  hard  as  to  give  fire  with  steel. 

8.  A  mass,  now  in  the  Cabinet,  at  New-Haven,  was  found  near 
Red   River  in  Louisiana.     Its  surface  is  covered  by  a  dark  brown 
crust,    and  is  deeply  indented.     It  is   very  compact  and  malleable. 
This  mass  weighs  upwards  of  3000  pounds.     In   its  interior,   Col, 
Gibbs  discovered  octohedral   crystals  of  iron,  the  largest  of  which  is 
half  an  inch  long. 

9.  Capt.  Ross  mentions  a  mass  of  native  iron  which  exists  in  West 
Greenland.     The  Esquimaux  have  made  knives  of  it.    'It  contains  3 
per  cent  of  nickel. 

10.  Other  masses  of  the  same  metal  have  been  discovered  in  var- 
ous  parts  of  the  globe.     That,  of  Croatia,  however,  seems  to  be  the 
only  one  concerning  which  there  is  any  direct  proof  of  its  having  fall- 
en from  the  atmosphere.     But  the  similarity  of  composition,  and  the 


ARSENICAL  AND  SULPHURET  OF  IRON.  221 

circumstances  under  which  most,  if  not  all  of  these  masses  have  been 
found,  as  their  insulation,  peculiar  composition,  and  their  situation  on 
the  surface  of  the  earth,  seems  to  indicate  that  they  owe  their  origin 
to  a  common  cause,  and  that  they  must  have  fallen  from  the  atmos- 
phere at  various  and  uncertain  periods. 

Species  2.  ARSENICAL  IRON. 

Fer  arsenical,  H.     Arsenical  Pyrites,  J.      Prismatic  Arsenical  Py- 
"rites,  M.     Mispickel,  A.     Arsenical  Iron,  P.  C. 

Ext.  Char. — Color,  tin  white,  with  a  shade  of  yellow ; 
occurs  massive,  disseminated,  and  crystallized ;  form 
the  right  rhombic  prism,  either  simple,  or  terminated 
by  dihedral  summits ;  also  modified  by  truncation,  on 
the  edges  of  the  summits — on  each  of  the  obtuse  angles, 
or  otherwise  ;  lustre  shining,  metallic  ;  fracture  granu- 
lar ;  hard  ;  brittle  ;  gives  fire  with  steel,  the  sparks  be- 
ing attended  with  a  little  train  of  w^hite  smoke ;  when 
struck,  gives  the  odor  of  garlic  ;  sp.  gr.  6.5. 

Chem.  Char.  Fusible,  with  volumes  of  white  arsenical  smoke,  the 
residue  being  magnetic  iron. 

Comp.  Arsenic  54.55  ;  iron  45.46. — Berzelius. 

Dist.  Char.  It  resembles  arsenical,  and  grey  cobalt,  but  these  both 
tinge  borax  smalt  blue.  It  also  may  resemble  sulphuret  of  iron,  and 
antimonial  silver,  but  neither  of  these  emit  the  garlic  fumes. 

It  is  found  chiefly  in  primitive  rocks,  as  gneiss,  mica-slate,  and 
granite  ;  where  it  occurs  in  veins,  or  is  disseminated. 

Local.  Its  foreign  localities  are  numerous. 

U.  S.  Warwick,  Orange  County,  N.  Y^  Near  Boston,  Mass. 
Chatham,  Conn.  Paris,  Maine. 

Var.    1.    ARGENTIFEROUS  ARSENICAL    IRON. 

Fer   arsenical   argentifere,  H.     Argentiferous  Arsenical  Pyrites,   J. 
Argentiferous  Mispickel,  A.    Argentiferous  A^enical  Iron,  P.  C. 

Ext.  Char. — Color,  whiter  than  in  the  species ;  lustre 
silvery ;  usually  tarnished  with  a  shade  of  yellow;  some- 
times occurs  in  acicular  crystals ;  otherwise  its  char- 
acters agree  with  those  of  arsenical  iron. 

Comp.  (That  of  Andreasberg  ;)  Iron  44 ;  arsenic  35 ;  silver  13  ; 
antimony  5. — Klaproth. 

Remark.  This  variety  contains  from  1  to  15  per  cent  of  silver. 
Local.  Freyberg,  aud  Braunsdorf,  in  Saxony.     It  is  a  rare  ore. 

Species  3.  SULPHURET  OF  IRON. 

Fer  sulfure,  H.     Hexahedral  Iron  Pyrites,  J.  M.     Common  Pyrites, 
A.  P.     Sulphuret  of  Iron,  C. 

Ext.  Char, — Color,  bronze  yellow,  passing  into  brass 
yellow,  and  steel  grey ;  occurs  crystallized,  capillary, 


222  SULPHURET  OP  IRON. 

cellular,  massive,  and  disseminated ;  form  the  cube, 
octohedron,  dodecahedron  with  pentagonal  faces,  and 
the  icosahedron,with  trapezoidal  faces,  with  their  mod- 
ifications and  varieties  ;  cleavage  parallel  to  the  sides 
of  an  hexahedron  and  octohedron  ;  fracture  conchoi- 
dal ;  lustre  brilliant,  metallic  ;  crystals  embedded,  and 
implanted  ;  hard,  brittle,  sp.  gr.  4.8. 

£7 


Fig.  25.  A  cube,  the  primitive  form,  and  one  of  the  most  common 
figures  under  which  it  occurs.  This  is  often  truncated  on  all  its  sol- 
id angles. 

Fig.  26.  The  dodecahedron,  with  pentagonal  faces. 

Fig.  27.  The  octohedron,  truncated  on  all  its  solid  angles. 

Fig.  28.  A  solid,  bounded  by  twenty  triangular  faces. 

Hauy  has  enumerated  a  great  variety  of  other  modifications,  some 
by  truncation,  others  by  bevelment. 

Obs.  Sulphuret  of  iron  is  often  a  very  beautiful  mineral,  the  crys- 
tals being  as  perfect  in  shape,  as  could  be  formed  by  the  most  skilful 
lapidary,  and  the  truncations  perfectly  symmetrical,  together  with  a 
surface  that  resembles  burnished  gold.  They  are  of  all  sizes,  from 
that  of  a  mustard  seed,  to  two  inches,  or  even  more,  in  diameter. 

C/iem.  Char.  Fusible,  with  a  strong  odor  of  sulphur,  into  a  glo- 
bule, which  is  magnetic. 

Comp.  Iron  47.85;  sulphur  52. 15— Hatchett. 

Dist.  Char.  It  has  often  been  taken  for  gold,  but  gold  is  mallea- 
ble ;  iron  pyrites  is  brittle.  It  differs  from  sulphuret  of  copper  in 
being  so  hard  as  not  to  yield  to  the  knife  ;  pyritous  copper  yields  to 
the  knife,  and  does  not  yield  a  magnetic  globule.  Arsenical  iron  emits 
arsenical  fumes,  while  iron  pyrites  emits  those  of  sulphur. 

Var.  1.    RADIATED  SULPHURET  OF  IRON. 

Fer  sulfure  radie,  H.     Radiated  Pyrites,  J.     Radiated  Iron  Pyrites, 
P.  White  Pyrites,  A.  Radiated  Sulphuret  of  Iron,  C. 

Ext.  Char. — Color,  bronze  yellow,  passing  into  steel 

frey,  often  variegated ;  occurs  in  masses,  of  a  globular, 
otryoidal,  or  reniform  shape,composed  of  fibrous  crys- 
tals, radiating  from  the  centre,  and  terminating  on  the7 
surface  of  the  mass ;  fracture  fibrous  ;  lustre  brilliant. 

O65.  These  masses,  commonly  fall  into  a  state  of  decomposition, 
if  exposed  to  the  air,  as  in  cabinets;  in  which  case  they  crack  in  va- 
rious directions,  and  become  covered  with  a  white  efflorescence,  which 
will  be  found  on  touching  it  with  the  tongue  to  be  sulphate  of  iron, 
or  copperas. 


MAGNETIC  SULPHURET  OF  IRON.  223 

Var.  2.  HEPATIC  SULPHURET  OP  IRON.* 

Fer  sulfure  epigene,  H.      Hepatic  Pyrites,  J.  A.  P.     Hepatic  Sul- 
phuret  of  Iron,  C. 

Ext.  Char. — Color,  liver  brown;  internally  pale  brass 
yellow,  inclining  to  steel  grey  ;  occurs  in  hexahedral, 
and  octohedral  crystals,  also  stalactical,  botryoidal, 
and  amorphous  ;  lustre  glimmering. 

Obs.  1.  This  variety  presents  most  of  the  forms  of  iron  pyrites. 

2.  Its  color  seems  to  arise  from  a  peculiar  kind  of  decomposition, 
the  nature  of  which  is  not  well  understood,  and  by  which  its  color  is 
changed,  and  its  lustre  disappears,  without  any  change  of  form. 

It  is  found  in  veins  in  primitive  rocks. 

U.  S.  Near  Sparta,  N.  J.  Staten  Island,  and  at  Anthony's  nose, 
N.  ¥. 

Arsenical  Sulphuret  of  Iron. — Color,  steel  grey,  paler  than  common 
pyrites ;  it  yields  arsenical,  as  well  as  sulphureous  vapors. 

Auriferous  Sulphuret  of  Iron. — Color,  deep  yellow  ;  occurs  in 
grains  and  cubic  crystals;  contains  a  small  quantity  of  gold,  which 
seems  to  be  in  a  state  of  simple  mixture  with  the  pyrites. 

Seleniferous  Sulphuret  of  Iron. — Color,  pale  yellow ;  occurs  in 
granular  masses. 

Pseudomorphous  Sulphuret  of  Iron. — It  occurs  in  the  crevices  of 
wood,  and  minerals,  and  also  in  the  cavities  of  organic  remains, 
and  takes  its  form  from  that  of  the  cavity,  in  which  it  is  found. 

Uses.  Sulphuret  of  iron,  is  a  very  abundant,  arid  universally  distri- 
buted ore.  It  however  is  seldom,  if  ever  employed  for  the  making  of 
iron,  but  is  chiefly  used  for  the  extraction  of  the  sulphate  of  iron  or 
copperas,  by  decomposition. 

For  this  purpose,  the  ore,  being  raised  from  the  earth,  it  is  exposed 
to  the  air,  and  moistened.  By  a  natural  process,  the  sulphur  absorbs 
oxygen  from  the  atmosphere,  and  is  converted  into  sulphuric  acid. 
The  acid  then  unites  to  the  iron,  and  forms  a  sulphate,  which  ap- 
pears in  the  form  of  a  greenish  white  crust  on  the  decomposing  py- 
rites. The  copperas  is  then  obtained  by  washing,  or  lixiviation,  and 
subsequent  crystallization. 

In  the  United  States,  manufactories  of  the  sulphate  of  iron  have 
been  established  in  Tennessee.  In  Maryland,  about  twenty  miles 
from  Baltimore.  In  Ohio,  near  Zanesville,  and  on  the  Muskingum 
river,  and  at  Steubenville.  In  Vermont,  at  Strafford,  and  Shrewsbu- 
ry. At  Strafford,  about  one  thousand  persons  are  employed  in  the 
several  departments  of  this  manufactory,  and  during  the  last  year, 
(1825,)  seven  hundred  tons  of  copperas  have  been  produced. 

Species  4.  MAGNETIC  SULPHURET  OF  IRON. 

Fer  sulfure  magnetique,  H.     Magnetic  Iron  Pyrites,  P.     Magnet- 
ic Pyrites,!.  A.  C.     Rhombohedral  Iron,  Pyrites,  M. 

Ext.  Char. — Color,  between  bronze  yellow  and  cop- 

*  From  hepar  Lat.  liver  ;  because  it  is  of  a  liver  color. 


224  MAGNETIC  OXIDE  OF  IRON. 

per  red ;  occurs  massive  ;  rarely  in  six-sided  prisms  j 
structure  lamellar ;  turns  brown  by  exposure  ;  obedi- 
ent to  the  magnet. 

Chem.  Char.  Fusible  with  the  sulphureous  odor,  into  a  magnetic 
globule. 

Comp.  Iron  63.5;  sulphur  36.5. — Hatckett. 

Obs.  This  variety  contains  less  iron  and  more  sulphur  than  the 
other  species.  Its  magnetic  property,  Hauy  supposes,  may  depend 
on  its  containing  a  portion  of  iron  in  its  pure  state,  and  not  united  to 
the  sulphur.  In  the  opinion  of  Hatchett,  iron  combined  with  less 
than  37  per  cent  of  sulphur  may  not  only  affect  the  needle,  but  be- 
come a  permanent  magnet,  which  is  the  case  with  the  present 
species. 

Local.  Hartz.     Galloway,  in  Scotland,  and   various  other  places. 

U.  S.  Brookfield  and  Huntingtun,  Conn.  Near  Boston,  Mass. 
Brunswick,  Maine. 

Species  5.  MAGNETIC  OXIDE  OF  IRON. 

Fer   oxidule,  H.     Octohedral  Iron  ore,  J.  M.     Oxidulated  Iron,  P. 
Magnetic  Iron  Ore,  A.     Magnetic  Oxide  of  Iron,  C. 

Ext.  Char. — Color,  iron  black  ;  occurs  crystallized, 
lajnelliform,  and  massive  ;  form  the  regular  octohe- 
dron,  dodecahedron  with  rhombic  faces,  cube  and  four- 
sided  prism  terminated  by  four-sided  pyramids ;  all 
subject  to  a  variety  of  truncations;  structure  imperfectly 
lamellar  ;  fracture  uneven  •  lustre  shining  or  glimmer- 
ing ;  faces  often  striated ;  occurs  also  in  thin  plates 
and  in  the  state  of  sand  ;  sp.  gr.  4.4. 

Chem.  Char.  Becomes  brown  but  is  infusible.  Insoluble  in  nitric 
acid. 

Comp.  Peroxide  of  iron  71.86;  protoxide  of  iron  28.14 — Ber~ 
zelius. 

Obs.  1  This  species  is  always  attracted  by  the  magnet,  and  some- 
times attracts  iron,  which  has  not  been  magnetized  ;  it  then  is  called 
native  magnet,  or  loadstone. 

*Z.  In  other  instances,  iron  is  said  to  be  magnetic  when  it  disturbs 
the  polarility  of  the  magnetic  needle,  without  possessing  the  power  of 
imparting  the  same  quality ;  but  the  native  magnetic  iron,  not  only 
attracts  its  own  particles,  but  those  of  iron,  which  before  were  not 
magnetic,  and  has  the  power  of  imparting  this  property,  thus  forming 
the  artificial  magnet. 

3.  The  loadstone  is  chiefly  found  in  primitive  countries,  and  some- 
times constitutes  large  masses,  or  even  beds. 

4.  According  to  Patrin,  there  occurs  in  Sweden,  and  Switzerland, 
whole    mountains  composed  of  magnetic   iron,  immense  masses  of 
which  are  found  to  be  native  magnets.     Blocks  of  401bs.  weight,  he 


MAGNETIC  OXIDE  OF  IRON.  225 

says,  would  carry  2001bs.  of  iron,  and  sometimes  pieces  were  found 
which  would  lift  25  times  their  own  weight  of  iron. 

5.  The  celebrated  Bergman  also  describes  a  hill  of  the  same  kind 
of  iron  ore,  which  he  saw  at  Talberg  in  Swedish  Lapland.     It  is  a 
league  in  circuit,  and  400  feet  high,  and  consists  to  appearance,  sole- 
ly of  biack  iron  ore,  cemented  into  a  hard  and  solid  mass  with  quartz. 
— Pinkerton's  Petrology. 

6.  From  its  external  appearance,  the  native  magnet  does  not  differ 
from  common  magnetic  oxide  of  iron,  but  on  trial  it  will  be  found  to 
attract  iron  filings,  and  to  possess  polarity. 

V.  S.  Goshen,  Penn.  On  the  river  Wachitta,  Arkansas  Ttrritory. 
Topsham,  Maine. 

Vaf.  1.    EARTHY   MAGNETIC   OXIDE  OP   IRON. 

Fer  oxydule  fuligineux,  H.     Earthy  Oxydulated  Magnetic  Iron,  P. 

Earthy  Magnetic  Iron  Ore,  J.  A. 

Ext.  Char. — Color,  bluish  black  ;  occurs  massive ; 
fracture  fine  grained,  earthy  ;  lustre  dull ;  yields  to  the 
knife  ;  sometimes  friable;  gives  the  odor  of  clay,  when 
breathed  on. 

Local  Arundal  in  Norway. 

Var.  2.  SANDY  MAGNETIC  OXIDE  OP  IRON. 
Fer  oxydule  titanifere,  H.    Sandy  Magnetic  Iron  Ore,  A.  Titanifer- 

ous  Oxydulated  Iron,  P.     Iron  Sand,  J.  C. 
Ext.  Char — Color,  iron  black ;  occurs   in  small  do- 
decahedral,  and  octohedral  crystals,  and   in  minute 
grains  constituting  iron  sand ;  strongly  magnetic  ;  pow 
der  black. 

Chem.  Char.  Infusible,  and  unalterable  by  the  blowpipe. 

Comp.  Oxide  of  iron  85.50  ;  oxide  of  titanium  14  ;  oxide  of  man- 
ganese 0.50. — Klaproth. 

Obs.  This  variety  being  sifted,  is  in  common  use  for  desk,  or  writ- 
ing sand. 

Local.  U.  S.  West-Haven,  Conn,  on  the  beach  of  the  sea  shore. 
It  very  obviously  proceeds  from  the  disintegration  of  the  chlorite  slate 
contiguous  to  the  beach. — Silliman.  On  Block  Island,  R.  /.  Gill, 
Mass.  Also  in  Maryland,  Ohio,  and  Virginia. 

Magnetic  oxide  of  iron  is  found  very  abundantly  in  foreign  coun- 
tries, and  is  known  under  the  name  of  mountain  ore.  It  furnishes  the 
best  bar  iron,  and  is  that,  from  which,  the  Swedish  steel  is  made.  It 
yields  from  50  to  90  per  cent  of  metallic  iron. 

Local.  U.  S.  Franconia,  Grafton  county  N.  H.  The  bed  is  from  5 
to  8  feet  thick,  and  is  contained  in  gneiss  Beautiful  octohedral,  and 
dodecahedral  crystals  are  common.  It  also  yields  the  compact  vari- 
ety. This  bed  is  explored  for  smelting.  Topsham,  Lincoln  county, 
Maine.  Some  of  the  crystals  are  two  inches  in  diameter. — 
Cleveland.  Suckasunny,  N  J.  where  the  bed  has  been  worked  to 
the  depth  of  100  feet.  The  ore  from  the  lowest  part  is  not  magnetic 
until  it  has  been  exposed  to  the  light  and  air. — Gibbs.  Near  Lake 
Champlain,  N.  Y.  Also  in  the  Highlands,  and  at  Crown  Point— 
29 


226  SPECULAR  OXIDE  OF  IRON. 

€rx&6s.     Williamstown,  Middlefield,  and  Woburn,  Mass.     Somerset 
Ver.     In  various  places  in  Pennsylvania,  &,c. 

Species  6.     SPECULAR  OXIDE  OF  IRON. 

Fer  oligiste,  H.     Specular  Iron,  P.  Rhomboidal  Iron  Ore,  J.  Rhom- 

bohedral  Iron  Ore,  M.     Specular  Oxide  of  Iron,  C. 

Ext.  Char. — Color,  steel  grey,  with  the  surface  high- 
ly polished,  and  often  tarnished  azure  blue,  green,  or 
red,  sometimes  resembling  tempered  steel,  and  some- 
times passing  into  blackish  blue  ;  streak  cherry  red, 
or  reddish  brown  ;  occurs  crystallized  in  a  great  vari- 
ety of  forms,  among  which  are  the  pyramidal  octohe- 
dron,  with  its  modifications ;  the  pyramidal  dodecahe- 
dron, with  its  summits  replaced ;  the  hexahedral  table, 
with  the  edges  replaced,  £c. ;  primary,  the  slightly 
acute  rhomb ;  structure  lamellar ;  cross  fracture  con- 
ehoidal ;  lustre  brilliant,  metallic ;  faces  of  the  crys- 
tals often  striated ;  slightly  attracted  by  the  magnet  $ 
sp.  gr.  5.  52. 

29 


.  29.  A  figure  bounded  by  24  faces,  of  which  six  are  isoceles 
triangles,  twelve  scalene  triangles,  and  six  pentagons. 

Obs.  1.  The  beautiful  irridescent  specimens,  which  come  from  the 
Isle  of  Elba,  are  frequently  crystallized  in  the  above  form. 

2.  The  present  species,  often  occurs  in  groups  of  tabular  or  lentic- 
ular crystals,  implanted  edgewise,  or  intersecting  each  other  so  as  to 
form  cells  of  various  shapes.  Sometimes  the  edges  only  appear  dis- 
tinct, forming  groups  resembling  the  lancets  of  a  scarificator. 

Chem  Char   Infusible,  but  becomes  reddish.     Insoluble  in  acids. 

Comp.  Iron  69  ;  oxygen  31. — Hassenfraz. 

Dist.  Char.  It  differs  from  the  magnetic  oxide,  in  yielding  a  red 
powder,  that  of  the  magnetic  being  black.  Grey  copper  and  galena, 
are  reduced  by  the  blowpipe,  and  are  not  at  all  magnetic. 

Remark.  Some  of  the  most  splendid  specimens,  seen  in  cabinets, 
belong  to  this  species.  It  occurs  chiefly  in  primitive  mountains,  as- 
sociated with  magnetic  iron,  red  oxide  of  iron,  and  quartz. 

Local.  Elba,  affords  the  finest  specimens,  where  it  is  very  abund- 
ant, and  is  said  to  have  been  worked  as  a  mine,  for  3000  years.  Sax- 
ony, Bavaria,  Bohemia,  and  in  most  other  countries. 

U.  S.  Near  Baltimore,  Md.  Near  Lake  Champlain,  N.  K  Brigh- 
ton, and  Montague,  Mass.  Jamaica,  Ver. 

Far.  1.  Volcanic  Specular  Oxide  of  Iron. — It  is  found  in  lava,  and 
possibly  also,  in  the  stones  used  in  smelting  furnaces,  when  they  be- 


BROWN  OXIDE  OF  IRON.  227 

come  porous  and  partially  disintegrated  by  the  heat.  The  writer  has 
seen  some  beautiful  crystals  of  specular  iron,  contained  in  a  micaceous 
sandstone,  which  had  been  used  for  the  above  purpose,  and  which  to 
all  appearance,  had  been  formed  by  particles  of  iron  from  the  fur- 
nace. 

Var.  2.     MICACEOUS  OXIDE  OP  IRON. 

Per  oligiste  ecailleux,  H.     Micaceous  Specular  Iron,  J.  P.  A.     Mi- 
caceous Oxide  of  Iron,  C.     Rhombohedral  Iron-Ore,  M. 

Ext.  Char. — Color,  iron  black,  passing  into  steel- 
grey  ;  when  turned  in  a  particular  direction  towards 
the  light  it  has  a  tinge  of  red  ;  streak  and  powder  cherry 
red ;  translucent,  in  thin  laminae,  when  it  appears  blood 
red  ;  occurs  massive,  composed  of  thin  laminae,  easily 
separable  ;  splits  into  broad  pieces,  of  a  slaty  aspect ; 
also  occurs  in  distinct  tabular  crystals  ;  sometimes  a 
little  unctuous  to  the  touch  ;  brittle  ;  sp.  gr.  nearly  4. 

Dist.  Char.  From  earthy  minerals,  it  is  sufficiently  distinguished 
by  its  weight,  color,  and  lustre,  and  from  the  other  ores  of  iron,  by 
its  micaceous  structure. 

Specular  and  micaceous  iron,  are  found  in  primitive  rocks,  among 
the  other  ores  of  iron.  Sometimes  they  are  disseminated  in  the  other 
ores,  and  sometimes  they  form  considerable  beds  alone. 

Local  Near  Baltimore,  Vir.  Near  the  Raritan,  N.  J.  Fort  Lee, 
N.  Y.  Hawley,  Brighton,  and  Charlestown,  Mass.  New  Stratford, 
Conn.  Near  Belfast,  Maine  Madison  County,  and  Washington 
County,  Missouri.  In  the  latter  County,  micaceous  iron  forms  a 
ridge  frona  500  to  600  feet  high,  and  half  a  mile  long.-+Schookraft. 

Species  7.     BROWN  OXIDE  OF  IRON. 

Fer  oxide  rubigineux,  H.     Brown  Iron  Ore,  A.  P.     Brown  Oxide  of 

Iron,  C. 

Ext.  Char. — Colors,  brown,  blackish  brown,  or  yel- 
lowish brown  ;  occurs  stalactical,  nodular,  fibrous,  and 
amorphous  ;  and  according  to  Mohs,  in  cubical  crys- 
tals ;  powder,  yellowish  brown  ;  seldom  magnetic  \ 
sp.  gr.  3.44. 

Chem.  Char.  Infusible,  but  turns  reddish,  and  acquires  the  mag- 
netic property. 

Comp.  Oxide  of  iron  85  ;  water  15. — Daubisson. 

Var.  1.    FIBROUS  BROWN  OXIDE  OP  IRON. 

Fer  oxide  haematite,  H.    Fibrous  Brown  Iron  Ore.    Brown  Hsema- 

tite,  A.  P.  C. 

Ext.  Char. — Color,  brown,  yellowish,  or  blackish 
brown  ;  on  the  outside,  often  varnished  or  glossed,  pre- 
cisely resembling  black  glazed  earthen  ware ;  occurs 


228  BROWN  OXIDE  OF  IRON. 

stalactical,  tuberose,  nodular  and  amorphous  ;  structure 
fibrous,  sometimes  parallel,  but  more  often  radiating, 
or  diverging  from  a  centre ;  lustre,  silky,  or  resinous  ; 
yields  to  the  knife, 

Obs.  This  variety  often  presents  very  curious  imitative  forms  ;  as 
of  cylinders  of  the  size  of  a  pipe  stem,  many  inches  long,  and  inter- 
woven into  a  sort  of  net- work  ;  also  of  the  branches  of  trees,  or  of  co- 
ral, or  bunches  of  grapes,  &c. 

This  ore,  is  found  in  primitive,  and  secondary  rocks.  • 

Local.  It  is  found  in  every  country  of  Europe. 

U  S.  Messersburg,  Jenkintown,  and  Lancaster,  Penn.  Gallatin 
County,  Illinois.  Lawrence  County,  Arkansas  Territory.  Burling- 
ton County,  N.  J.  Staten  Island,  N.  Y.  Stalactical  and  mammilla- 
iy,  often  with  a  shining  surface — Pierce  and  Torrey.  Salisbury, 
Conn,  specimens  often  covered  with  a  jet  black  shining  gloss,  like 
the  black  glazed  tea-pots  of  former  times.  Some  very  beautiful  spe- 
cimens come  from  this  locality.  Bennington,  and  Monkton,  Ver. 
That  of  Bennington  yields  33  per  cent,  of  iron. — Hall. 

Uses.  It  is  employed  as  an  iron  ore,  and  yields  from  30  to  60  per 
cent,  of  the  metal. 

Var.  2.     COMPACT  BROWN  OXIDE  OF  IRON. 

Compact  Brown  Iron  Ore,  J.  P.  A.     Compact  Brown  Oxide  of 

Iron, C. 

Ext.  Char. — Color,  olive  brown,  passing  into  blackish 
brown  -,  occurs  massive,  stalactical,  cellular  and  amor- 
phous ;  streak  and  powder  yellowish  brown;  lustre 
none ;  structure  compact,  sometimes  slaty,  but  never 
fibrous  ;  fracture  conchoidal,  or  earthy,  yields  to  the 
knife ;  sp.  gr,  3..r>.  to  3.7. 

Comp.  Iron  82  ;  water  11.3  ;  oxide  of  manganese  0.3  ;  silex  2.6. 
— Daubisson. 

Dist.  Char.  It  is  distinguished  from  the  haematite,  by  its  com- 
pact structure. 

It  usually  occurs  with  the  fibrous  variety,  into  which  it  gradually 
passes. 

Local.  Blue  Ridge,  Md.  It  occurs  in  stalagmites,  o.r  very  beauti- 
fully dentritic,  resembling  in  large  masses,  a  grove  of  trees. — Hay- 
den. 

Uses.  It  is  explored  as  an  iron  mine,  and  is  said  to  yield  about  50 
per  cent,  of  metal. 

Far.  3.  SCALY  BROWN  OXIDE  or  IRON. 
Scaly  Brown  Iron  Ore,  A.  P. 

Ext.  Char.—* Color,  brown,  passing  into  steel  grey  ; 
occurs  in  the  form  of  scales,  often  encrusting  the  other 


RED  OXIDE  OP  IRON.  229 

varieties ;  lustre  glistening,  metallic ;  unctuous  to  the 
touch;  soils  the  fingers, 

»j^  Var.  4.     OCHERY  BROWN  OXIDE  OP  IRON. 

Fer  oxide  pulverulent,  H.     Ochery  Brown  Iron  Ore,  P.     Yellow 

Ochre. 

Ext.  Char. — Color,  pale  brown,  or  yellowish ;  occurs 
massive,  of  an  earthy  aspect ;  soils  the  fingers ;  fria- 
ble. 

Camp.  Iron  83  ;  water  12  ;  silex  5. — Daubisson. 
It  is  found  among  bog  iron  ore. 

Var.  5.     UMBER. 

Ext.  Char. — Color,  olive  brown,  blackish  or  yellow- 
ish brown ;  occurs  massive  ;  lustre,  none  ;  fracture  con- 
choidal ;  texture  earthy  ;  soils  very  much  ;  easily  brok- 
en ;  adheres  strongly  to  the  tongue  ;  falls  to  pieces  in 
water  ;  sp.  gr.  2. 

Comp.  Oxide  of  iron  48  ;  oxide  of  manganese  20  ;  silex  13  ;  alu- 
mine5  ;  water  14. — Phillips. 

Local.  Cyprus.    It  is  used  as  a  paint. 

Species  8.     RED  OXIDE  OF  IRON. 

Fer  oxide  rouge,  H.     Rhomboidal  Iron  Ore,  3.    Rhombohedral  Iron 
Ore,  M.     Red  Iron  Ore,  P.     Red  Oxide  of  Iron,  C. 

Ext  Char. — Color,  reddish  brown,  streak  and  pow- 
der, blood  red,  or  brownish  red  ;  sometimes  slightly 
magnetic ;  yields  to  the  knife ;  aspect  rather  earthy , 
than  metallic ;  rarely  found  crystallized  ;  opake ;  tex- 
ture fibrous,  or  compact ;  sp.  gr.  3.  to  5. 

Var.  1.     FIBROUS  RED  OXIDE  or  IRON.     RED  HEMATITE. 

Fibrous  Red  Iron  Ore,  3.  P.  Red  Haematite,  A.  C. 
Ext.  Char. — Colors,  yellowish  brown,  and  brownish 
red,  or  steel  grey ;  lustre  somewhat  metallic ;  receives 
a  polish ;  streak  and  powder,  nearly  blood  red  ;  occurs 
amorphous,  stalactical,  botryoidal,  and  in  concretions ; 
structure  distinctly  fibrous ;  fibres,  particularly  of  the 
stalactical,  radiate  from  the  centre,  or  run  parallel,  re- 
sembling the  grain  of  wood  ;  fracture  conchoidal  in 
one  direction  ;  sp.  gr.  4.75. 

Chem.  Char.     Infusible,  but  turns  dark,  and  becomes  magnetic. 
Comp.  Oxide  of  iron  90;  silex  2;  lime  1  ;  water  3  ; — Daubisson, 
It  is  found  chiefly  in  primitive,  but  sometimes  in  secondary  moun- 
tains. 


230  RED  OXIDE  OF  IRON. 

Local  It  is  found  in  several  European  countries,  as  England,  Bo- 
hemia, Saxony,  &c. 

U.  8.  Perkiomen  lead  mine,  Penn.     Kent,  Conn. 

Uses  It  is  said  to  yield  the  best  of  iron,  particularly  for  drawing 
and  rolling.  It  is  also  used  for  polishing  buttons,  under  the  name  of 
blood-st'tne,  and  during  our  late  war,  was  in  great  demand,  and  sold 
at  exceedingly  exorbitant  prices,  for  this  purpose. 

Far.  2.  COMPACT  RED  OXIDE  OP  IRON. 

Fer-oligiste  compact,  H      Compact  Red  Iron  Ore,  J.   A.  P.     Com- 
pact Red  Oxide  of  Iron,  C. 

Ext.  Char. — Color,  brownish  red,  with  a  mixture  of 
steel  grey;  surface,  sometimes  steel  grey;  streak, 
and  powder,  blood  red ;  fracture  conchoidal  or  uneven ; 
lustre  a  little  metallic  ;  occurs  massive,  slaty,  globular, 
and  reniform ;  also  in  pseud omorphous  crystals,  gen- 
erally cubic,  with  truncated  angles  5  sp.  gr,  3.5  to  5. 

It  is  found  in  primitive,  and  secondary  rocks,  with  red  haematite, 
and  other  iron  ores. 

Local.  U.  S.  On  Elk  river,  Tenn.  very  hard,  and  compact. — 
Schooler  aft.  Canton,  N.  Y. — Hall.  At  the  head  of  Gasconade  ri- 
ver, Missouri. 

Far.  3.  SCALY  RED  OXIDE  OF  IRON. 

Fer-oligiste  luisant,  H.  Scaly  Red  Iron  Ore,  J.  A.  P.  Scaly  Red  Ox- 
ide of  Iron,  C. 

Ext.  Char. — Color,  reddish  brown ;  occurs  in  masses 
and  crusts,  composed  of  minute  scales,  slightly  coher- 
ing ;  lustre  somewhat  metallic ;  unctuous  to  the  touch ; 
soils  the  fingers. 

Chem.  Char.  Iron  66;  oxygen  28.50 ;  silex  4.25  ;  alumine  1.25. 
— Hauy. 

It  occurs  with  the  preceding  varieties,  but  is  more  rare. 
Local  Perkiomen  lead  mine,  Penn.     Kent,  Conn. 

Far.  4.  OCHERY  RED  OXIDE  OP  IRON.     RED  OCHRE. 

Fer  oligiste  terreux,  H.    Red  Ochre,  3.  A.  P.    Ochery  Red  Oxide 
of  Iron.     Red  Ochre,  C. 

Ext.  Char.-*- Color,  dark  blood  red,  passing  into  yel- 
lowish, or  brownish  red  ;  occurs  massive  ;  texture  com- 
pact, earthy  ;  soils  the  fingers,  but  is  not  unctuous ;  fri- 
able ;  sp.  gr.  about  3. 

It  is  found  with  the  preceding  varieties,  and  occurs  in  many  pla- 
ces in  this  country. 

Uses.  It  is  sometimes  employed  as  a  pigment,  under  the  name  of 
Indi-m  Red;  but  more  commonly  it  is  believed,  under  that  of  Span- 
ish Brown. 


ARGILLACEOUS  OXIDE  OF  IRON.  231 

Species  9.   ARGILLACEOUS  OXIDE  OF  IRON. 

Fer  oxide  massif  and  geodique,  H.     Argillaceous  or  Clay  Iron  Stone, 
P.     Argillaceous  Oxide  of  Iron,  C. 

Ext.  Char. — Colors,  ash  grey,  bluish,  brown,  and  red- 
dish brown ;  occurs  amorphous,  and  in  flat  tabular 
masses ;  also  reniform,  globular,  and  pulverulent ; 
fracture  uneven,  and  earthy,  or  flat  conchoidal ;  yields 
easily  to  the  knife ;  adheres  to  the  tongue  ;  sp.  gr.  3.37. 

Chem.  Char.  Infusible,  but  turns  black,  and  becomes  magnetic. 

Comp.  Protoxide  of  iron,  with  a  trace  of  manganese  43.26  ;  alu- 
mine  and  silex  20.78  ;  carbonic  acid  29.30  ;  carbonaceous  matter 
2.67;  lime  1.87;  moisture  1. — Phillips. 

It  occurs  in  secondary  rocks,  and  is  found  in  most  countries. 

Var.    1.    COLUMNAR  ARGILLACEOUS  OXIDE  OF  IRON. 

Fer  ogiliste  bacillaire-conjoint,  H.      Columnar   Clay-Iron-Stone,  A. 
P.     Columnar  Argillaceous  Oxide  of  Iron.  C. 

Ext.  Char. — Color,  red,  brownish,  or  blackish  red, 
and  yellowish  red  ;  occurs  in  masses,  composed  of  co- 
lumnar pieces,fittingeach  other  like  grain,  tin  or  starch, 
and  sometimes  with  interstices  filled  with  bitumen,  or 
calcareous  spar ;  texture  fine  grained,  earthy  ;  brittle  ; 
adheres  to  the  tongue  ;  sometimes  magnetic ;  sp.  gr,  3. 
to  4.4. 

Comp.  Oxide  of  iron  50;  water  13;  silex  30.5  ;  alumine  7  ; — 
Brocchi. 

Local.  U.  S.  Navesink  hills,  N.  J.  Long  Island,  N.  Y.  Mar- 
tha's  Vineyard,  Mass. 

It  is  not  common,  but  is  sometimes  explored  as  an  iron  mine. 

Var.  3.  PISIFORM  ARGILLACEOUS  OXIDE  OF  IRON. 

Fer  oxide  rubigeneux  globuliforme,  H.  Pisiform  Clay-Iron-stone,  A, 

P.     Granular  Argillaceous  oxide  of  Iron,  C.     Pea  Iron  ore.* 

Ext.  Char. — Colors,  brown,  yellowish  brown,  or 
blackish  brown  ;  occurs  in  small  globular  masses,  con- 
sisting of  concentric  layers  of  the  size  of  a  pea,  or  lar- 
ger ;  brittle  ;  fracture  conchoidal ;  lustre,  resinous  at 
the  circumference,  but  dull  and  earthy  at  the  centre. 

Comp.  Oxide  of  iron  48  ;  alumine  31  ;  silex  15  ;  water  6. — Dau- 
bisson. 

It  is  found  in  clay,  and  soft  calcareous  deposites,  with  the  bog-ore. 

Local.  It  is  abundant  in  France,  and  in  several  parts  of  Switzer- 
land. It  is  also  found  in  England,  Franconia,  and  Swabia. 

*  From  its  resemblance  to  peas. 


232  ARGILLACEOUS  OXIDE  OF  IRON. 

U.  8.  Pompton  plain,  and  other  places,  N.  J.  Staten  Island,  N.  Y. 
Salisbury,  Windsor,  and  Hartford,  Conn. 

Uses.  It  is  explored  in  France,  and  Switzerland,  but  is  said  not 
to  yield  good  iron. 

Var.  3.    LENTICULAR    ARGILLACEOUS  OXIDE     OF  IRON. 

Lenticular  Clay  Iron-Stone^A.  P. 

Ext.  Char. — Color,  brownish  red,  yellowish  brown, 
or  greyish  black  ;  occurs  in  lenticular  or  oblong  flatten- 
ed masses,  of  various  sizes,  from  that  of  an  apple  seed 
to  that  of  a  butternut ;  lustre  of  the  fracture,  somewhat 
metallic  ;  easily  broken  ;  sp.  gr.  3.  to  3.8. 

Chem.  Char.  Becomes  magnetic,  but  does  not  easily  melt  alone ; 
With  borax,  melts  into  a  yellowish  green  glass. 

Comp.  Oxide  of  iron  64  ;  water  5  ;  alumine  23  ;  silex  7.5. — Lani' 
pidius. 

Local.  Franconia,  Bavaria,  Saltzburg,  Switzerland,  France.  &c. 

U.  S.  Ontario,  N.  Y.  in  an  alluvial  deposite,  which  also  contains 
fossil  shells. — Eaton. 

Uses.  It  is  sometimes  explored  as  an  iron  mine,  and  is  said  to 
yield  from  30  to  60  per  cent. 

Var.  4.  NODULAR  ARGILLACEOUS  OXIDE  OF  IRON. 

Fer  oxide  geodique,  H.     Reniform  Brown  Clay-Iron-Stone,  P.     No- 
dular Argillaceous  Oxide  of  Iron,  C. 

Ext.  Char. — Color,  yellowish  brown,  or  yellow,  in- 
ternally, when  fresh  fractured ;  occurs  in  nodules  of 
various  sizes,  from  that  of  a  nut,  to  that  of  a  man's  head  ; 
sometimes  hollow  internally,  and  sometimes  contains  a 
pulverulent  nucleus  ;  fracture,  even,  earthy,  or  flat  con- 
choidal,  generally  earthy  towards  the  centre  ;  texture 
earthy,  or  compact,  towards  the  circumference ;  ap- 
pears to  be  composed  of  concentric  layers ;  sp.  gr. 
about  3 ;  in  the  hardest  parts  scarcely  yields  to  the 
knife. 

It  is  found  in  clay-slate,  and  in  alluvial  deposites. 

Obs.  Sometimes  there  is  a  cavity  in  the  centre  of  these  nodules, 
containing  some  small  loose  stones,  or  sand,  which  rattles  on  being 
shook.  The  ancients  supposed,  but  on  what  grounds,  we  do  not 
know,  that  the  eagles,  had  a  habit  of  transporting  those  balls  to  their 
nests,  for  the  purpose  of  facilitating  the  laying  of  their  eggs  ;  hence 
they  were  called,  Eagle  stones. 

Local.  U.  S.  Near  Baltimore,  Md.  it  forms  extensive  beds.  The 
nodules  are  composed  of  concentric  layers,  and  frequently  contain 
minute  crystals  of  sparry  iron. — Gilmor.  Also  at  Bomb-shell  hill  near 
Bladensburg,  in  nodules  from  two  to  eight  inches  in  diameter.  When 


BOG  IRON  ORE.  233 

exposed  to  a  strong  heat  they  burst  with  an  explosion. — Hayden. 
Near  Plymouth,  Mass.  Nodules,  of  a  reddish  grey  color,  externally, 
with  a  soft,  or  friable,  yellowish  nucleus,  occur  at  Northington; 
Conn.  They  appear  to  be  formed  of  fine  sand-stone. 

Var.  5.  JASPBRY  OXIDE  OF  IRON. 
Jaspery  Clay  Iron-stone,  J.  Jaspery  Argillaceous  oxide  of  Iron,  C. 

Ext.  Char. — Color,  reddish,  or  yellowish  brown  ;  oc- 
curs  massive,  having  the   aspect   of  jasper  ;  fracture 
conchoidal,   passing  into   even;   lustre    glimmering; 
opake  ;  scarcely  yields  to  the  knife ;  sp  gr.  3.19. 
Local.  Cornwall,  in  England.    Fischau,  in  Austria. 
Var.  7.  COMPACT  BLACK  IRON  ORE. 
Compact  Black  Iron  Ore,  P. 

Ext.  Char. — Color,  bluish  black,  passing  into  steel 
grey ;  occurs  massive,  and  in  distinct  concretions,  con- 
sisting of  concentric  lamillae  ;  fracture  conchoidal,  or 
uneven ;  texture  fine  grained  ;  opake ;  brittle. 

Var.  8.  FIBROUS  BLACK  IRON  ORE. 

Fibrous  Black  Iron  ore,  P. 
Ext.  Char.— Color,  bluish  black,  passing  into  steel 

trey ;  occurs  reniform,  and  globular ;  structure  finely 
brous,  and  divergent ;  lustre  somewhat  metallic ;  gives 
a  shining  streak  on  paper ;  scarcely  yields  to  tke  knife ; 
sp.  gr.  4.7. 

Chem.  Char.  Infusible  alone  ;  with  borax  yields  a  violet  colored 
glass. 

Obs.  According  to  Phillips  the  two  last  varieties  occur  in  only 
small  quantities,  and  are  found  in  the  veins  of  primitive,  and  second- 
ary mountains,  with  the  brown  and  red  haematites. 

They  probably  contain  a  portion  of  manganese. 

Species  W.  BOG  IRON  ORE. 
Bog  Iron  Ore,  J.  A.  P.     Bog  Ore,  C. 
Ext.  Char. — Colors,  yellowish,  brown,  brownish  yel- 
low, and  reddish  grey ;  occur  amorphous,  tuberous, 
and  cellular ;  fracture  earthy,  or  uneven  ;  lustre  res- 
inous, or  dull;  often  friable;    sometimes   resembles 
scoria,  and  sometimes  ochre ;  soils  the  fingers ;  sp.  gr. 
2  to  3. 

Var.  1.    FRIABLE  BOG  ORE. 

It  occurs  in  masses,  sometimes  corroded  or  sinuous  ;  soils  the  fin- 
gers ;  dull ;  appears  earthy,  or  ochery, 

30 


234  FRANKLINITE.      HYDROUS  OXIDE  OF  IRON. 

Var.  2.  COMPACT  BOG  ORE. 

It  occurs  amorphous,  tuberous,  and  in  crusts;  fracture,  conchoidal; 
lustre  resinous ;  soft ;  yields  to  the  knife  ;  soils  the  fingers. 

Remarks.  These  varieties,  to  which  some  add  Indurated,  occur 
together,  commonly  in  the  same  specimen.  They  are  fouud  in  low 
swampy  ground,  in  almost  every  section  of  country. 

065.  Bog  ore  is  considered  of  the  most  recent  formation,  indeed  it 
is  supposed  to  be  deposited  every  day,  from  waters  containing  oxide 
of  iron,  and  therefore  is  constantly  forming. 

Uses.  It  is  employed  for  the  extraction  of  iron,  and  yields,  from  30, 
to  60  per  cent  of  metal. 

Species  11  FRANKLINITE.* 
Franklinite,  Berthier.  P.  C. 

Ext.  Char. — Color,  iron  black,  powder  deep  red,  or 
reddish  brown ;  occurs  in  granular  masses,  composed 
of  imperfect  crystals,  or  small  grains,  which  sometimes 
exhibit  the  planes  of  the  octohedron  ;  structure  lam- 
ellar ;  aspect  similar  to  octohedral  iron  5  sp.  gr.  4.87  ; 
magnetic. 

Chem.  Char.  Soluble  without  effervescence  in  hot  muratic  acid,  ex- 
haling a  slight  odor  of  chlorine.  Before  the  blow  pipe,  the  zinc  is 
volatilized,  leaving  a  hard  magnetic  alloy  of  iron  and  manganese,  sus- 
ceptible of  a  polish. 

Comp.  Oxide  of  iron  66  ;  oxide  of  zinc  17  ;  oxide  of  manganese 
16—  Berthier. 

Local  U.  S.  New-Jersey,  accompanied  by  the  red  oxide  of  zinc, 
and  yellowish  green  garnet.  It  is  mostly  embedded  in  the  red  oxide 
of  zinc. 

Species  12.  HYDROUS  OXIDE  OF  IRON. 

Fer  hydro-oxide,  Bournon.     Hydrous  Oxide  of  Iron  P. 

Ext.  Char. — Color,  iron  black,  internally  blackish 
brown;  occurs  massive,  and  crystallized;  structure 
of  theri  massive,  fibrous  and  radiating :  crystals  very 
minute,  the  terminations,  sometimes  appearing  like 
velvet  ;  also  occurs  in  slender  stalactites,  composed  of 
fibres  radiating  from  the  centre  to  the  circumference ; 
scratches  glass. 

Comp.  Oxide  of  iron  80.25  ;  water  15  ;  silex  3.75. —  Vauqudin. 
Local.  Clifton,  near  Bristol,  in  quartose  geodes,  also  near  Botal- 
lack,  Cornwall,  Siberia,  and  France. 

Var.   1.    CRONSTEDITE. 

Cronstedit,  Leonhard.  Cronstedite,  P. 
Ext.  Char. — Color,  black ;  occurs  massive,  composed 


*In  honor  of  Dr.  Franklin, 


HYDROUS  SUL.  OXIDE,  AND  NATIVE  MUR.  OF  IRON.       235 

of  opake  fibres ;  lustre  brilliant  ;  also,  in  separate  six- 
sided  prisms,  sometimes  adhering  laterally  •  soft ; 
powder  and  streak,  leek  green  ;  sp.  gr.  3.34. 

Chem.  Char.  Intumesces,  but  does  not  melt ;  with  borax,  yields  a 
black,  opake  enamel. 

Comp.  Oxide  of  iron  58.85,  of  manganese  2.88  ;  magnesia  5.07  ; 
water  10.70 ;  silex  22.45.— Phillips. 

Local  Near  Przibram,  in  Bohemia,  with  carbonate  of  hon. 

Species.  13.  HYDROUS  SULPHURIC  OXIDE  OF  IRON. 

Per  oxide  resinite  H.   Iron  Sinter  J.  Pitchy  Bog  Iron  Ore  A.  Pitchy 
Iron  Ore  P.  C. 

Ext.  Char. — Colors,  greyish  black,  blackish,  or  yel- 
lowish brown ;  occurs  in  crusts,  in  stalactical,  or  reni. 
form  masses,  and  in  lamellar  concretions  ;  fracture  con. 
choidal,  or  fine  grained  ;  lustre  shining,  or  glistening  ; 
translucent  on  the  edges;  streak  yellowish  ;  yields  to 
the  knife ;  said  also  to  occur  in  rectangular  prisms ; 
sp.  gr.  2.4. 

Chem.  Char.  Melts  in  the  flame  of  a  candle,  and  becomes  mag- 
netic. 

Comp.  Oxide  of  iron  67  ;  sulphuric  acid  8  ;  water  25. — Klaproth. 

Dist.  Ckar.  Its  easy  fusibility,  will  distinguish  it  from  the  other 
ores  of  iron. 

Local  Pless,  in  upper  Silesia,  and  in  Brittany. 

Species  14.  NATIVE  MURIATE  OF  IRON. 
Fer  muriate  H.  Pyrosmalite  J.  P.  Muriate  of  Iron  C. 

Ext.  Char. — Color,  liver  brown,  passing  into  pistachio 
green,  and  greenish  grey ;  occurs  in  six-sided  prisms, 
or  tables,  with  the  terminal  edges  often  replaced ;  lus- 
tre shining ;  that  of  the  terminal  planes  pearly ;  struc- 
ture lamellar  ;  translucent ;  cleavage,  most  distinct, 
parallel  to  the  terminal  planes  ;  cross  fracture  splint- 
ery ;  yields  to  the  knife  with  difficulty .  sp.  gr.  about  3 ; 
translucent  on  the  edges. 

Chem.  Char.  Fusible,  with  the  escape  of  chlorine  into  a  magnetic 
globule. 

Comp.  Submuriate  of  iron  14.10;  protoxide  of  iron  21.81  ;  oxide 
of  manganese  21. 14;  silex  35.85;  lime  1.21  ;  loss  5.89  Hisinger. 

Local.  Nordmark  in  Sweden,  in  a  bed  of  magnetic  iron. 


236       CARBONATE  AND  PHOSPHATE  OF  IRON. 

Specie*  15.  CARBONATE  OF  IRON. 

Fer  oxide  carbonate  H.  Sparry  Iron  J.  Sparry  Iron  K.  A.  Spa- 
those  Iron,  Carbonate  of  Iron  P.  Carbonate  of  Iron  C.  BrachytypouB 
Parachrose — Baryte  M. 

Ext.  Char. — Colors,  wine  yellow,  yellowish  brown, 
or  greyish  yellow;  becomes  brownish  black,  by  ex- 
posure ;  occurs  massive ;  composed  of  crystalline,  folia- 
ted plates,  often  curved ;  structure  foliated  or  lamel- 
lar ;  lustre  shining  vitreous  ;  streak  white  ;  translu- 
cent when  recently  broken  ;  occurs  also  in  acute  rhom- 
boids, sometimes  with  truncated  terminal  angles,  in 
six-sided  crystals,  in  octohedrons,  and  in  lenticular 
crystals ;  crystals  often  adhere  by  thin  edges  to  other 
minerals,  or  are  found  in  groups,  or  druses  ;  yields  to 
the  knife ;  cleavage  parallel  to  the  planes  of  an  ob- 
tuse rhomboid,  which  is  the  primitive  form ;  sp.  gr. 
about  4. 

Chem.  Char.  Infusible,  blackens  and  becomes  magnetic.  Dissolves 
slowly  in  nitric  acid,  with  slight  effervescence. 

Comp.  Oxide  of  iron  58 ;  carbonic  acid  35  ;  oxide  of  manganese 
4.25  ;  magnesia  0.75  ;  lime  0.5. — Klaproth, 

Dist.  Char.  From  the  earthy  minerals  which  it  resembles,  it  is  dis- 
tinguished by  its  great  weight ;  from  other  ores  of  iron  by  its  crystal- 
line, foliated  cleavage,  or  fracture ;  and  from  blende  which  it  often 
very  nearly  resembles,  by  its  yielding  magnetic  iron,  by  the  blowpipe. 

Obs.  On  being  exposed  to  the  air,  it  is  gradually  decomposed  ;  first 
the  color  of  the  surface  becomes  brown,  or  black  ;  afterwards,  also 
the  streak  is  changed  into  red  or  brown,  its  hardness  and  specific 
gravity  are  diminished,  and  even  the  chemical  constitution  is  altered, 
the  whole  being  converted  into  hydrate  of  iron.  (Mohs.) 

It  occurs  abundantly  in  some  countries,  in  veins  and  beds,  chiefly 
in  primitive  rocks,  but  sometimes  in  secondary  ones.  It  is  associated 
with  the  other  ores  of  iron,  also  with  those  of  copper,  and  lead,  and 
with  calcareous  spar,  brown  spar.  &c. 

Local.  Hesse,  Hartz,  and  Westphalia,  where  it  is  worked  as  an  ore 
of  iron.  France,  Germany  and  Spain  in  abundance.  England  spar- 
ingly. 

U.  S.  Near  Baltimore,  Md.  in  lenticular  crystals.  New-Milford, 
Conn,  chiefly  in  foliated  masses,  but  sometimes  in  obtuse  rhombs. — 
"  This  appears  to  be  the  only  locality  in  the  U.  States  where  carbonate 
of  iron  occurs  in  quantity."— Sitti man. 

Species  16.  PHOSPHATE  OF  IRON. 

Fer  phosphate  H.    Blue  Iron  Ore  A.     Phosphate  of  Iron  P.  C.  Pris- 
matic Blue  Iron  J.  Prismatic  Iron-Mica  M. 

Ext.  Char. — Color,  indigo   blue,   sometimes    near- 


PHOSPHATE  OE  IRON.  237 

ly  black,  and  sometimes  greenish  blue  ;  occurs  crys- 
tallized, massive  and  amorphous;  form  of  the  primi- 
tive, an  oblong  four-sided  prism,  which  is  also  the  form 
under  which  it  often  appears  ;  crystals  subject  to  trun- 
cation. It  also  occurs  in  six,  eight,  or  twelve  sided 
prisms,  and  in  rounded,  flattened,  or  lenticular  crystals  ; 
structure  fibrous,  resembling  hornblende  ;  crystals 
grouped,  or  intersect  each  other,  leaving  interstices  or 
cells  ;  lustre  shining  ;  the  massive  is  laminated,  or  con- 
sists of  shining  plates,  adhering  together  ;  the  indura- 
ted occurs  in  friable  crusts,  or  in  small  masses,  with  an 
earthy  texture  ;  sp.  gr.  2.69. 

Chem.  Char.  Fusible  into  a  steel  colored  globule,  which  is  mag- 
netic. 

Comp.  Oxide  of  iron  41.25  ;  phosphoric  acid  19.25  ;  water  31.25  ; 
alumme  5.  —  Laugier. 

Dist.  Char.  A  little  attention  to  color  will  distinguish  it  from  horn- 
blende ;  from  the  blue  carbonate  of  copper,  it  differs  in  being  of  dark- 
er color  ;  and  from  this,  and  indicolite,  it  differs  in  yielding  a  mag- 
netic globule. 

Local.  Isle  of  France.  Allier  in  France,  Cornwall,  and  Devonshire 
in  England.  Siberia.  Bodenmais  in  Bavaria,  ^tavern  in  Norway. 

U.  S.  New-Jersey.  Tt  is  transparent  when  first  taken  from  the 
earth,  but  becomes  deep  indigo  blue  by  exposure,  or  by  a  moderate 
heat.  —  Woodbridge.  Also,  on  Crosswick's  creek,  color,  externally 
blue,  but  greenish  internally,  and  soft  like  talc. 

1.       EARTHY  PHOSPHATE  OF  IRON. 


Fer  phosphate  terreux,  H.     Earthy  Blue  Iron,  J.     Earthy  Blue  Iron 

Ore,  A.  Earthy  Phosphate  of  Iron,  P.  C. 
Ext.  Char.  —  Colors,  on  its  first  exposure,  greyish,  yel- 
lowish, or  greenish  white,  but  soon  changes  to  indigo 
blue  of  various  shades;  occurs  massive,  disseminated, 
and  investing  other  minerals  ;  soft  ;  often  very  slightly 
cohering  ;  dull  ;  soils  the  fingers  ;  sp.  gr.  about  2. 

Chem.  Char.  Becomes  brown,  and  then  melts  into  a  magnetic  glo- 
bule. 

Comp.  Oxide  of  iron  47.50  ;  phosphoric  acid  32  ;  water  20.  — 
Klaprotk.  . 

This  variety  is  found  in  alluvial  soils,  as  in  mud  and  clay,  suppos- 
ed to  be  more  or  less  intermingled  with  animal  matter,  and  from 
whence  it  is  probable,  the  phosphoric  acid  has  been  derived.  Indeed, 
it  has  been  found  penetrating  the  organic  remains  of  various  ani- 
mals. 

Local  Isle  of  Dogs,  Isle  of  Man,  and  in  the  Shetland  Islands,  in 
England. 


238  SULPHATE  AND  CHROMATE  OF  IRON. 

U.  S.  Allentown,  and  other  places,  N.  J.  Near  Plymouth,  and  at 
Hopkinton,  Mass.  York,  in  Maine.  At  Allentown,  it  occurs  in 
masses  which  weigh  301bs.  or  more. — Conrad. 

Uses.  Phosphate  of  iron,  is  sometimes  ground  and  employed  as  a 
pigment. 

Species  17.     SULPHATE  OF  IRON. 

Fer  sulphate,  H.     Rhomboidal  Vitriol,  J.     Hemi-Prismatic  Vitriol- 
Salt,  M.     Green  Vitriol,  A.     Sulphate  of  Iron,  P.  C. 

Ext.  Char. — Colors,  green,  or  yellowish,  or  brownish 
green  ;  occurs  in  stalactical  cone  retions,  in  efflores- 
cences, massive,  and  crystallized  in  the  form  of  right 
oblique  angled  prisms  ;  taste  astringent  and  metallic; 
soluble  in  water. 

Chem.  Char.  Its  solution  strikes  a  black  color  with  tincture  of  nut 
galls. 

Comp.  Oxide  of  iron  25.7  ;  sulphuric  acid  28.9  ;  water  45.4. — 
Berzelius. 

It  occurs  in  small  quantities,  in  mines  of  the  sulphuret  of  iron, 
from  the  decomposition  of  which,  it  proceeds. 

Species  18.     CHROMATE  OF  IRON. 

Fer  chromate,  H.     Prismatic  Chrome-Ore,  J.     Octohedral  Chrome- 
Ore,  M.     Chromated  Iron,  A.     Chromate  of  Iron,  P.  C. 

Ext.  Char. — Color,  blackish  brown,  or  nearly  black  ; 
occurs  massive,  disseminated,  granular  and  crystal- 
lized in  regular  octohedrons,  or  double  lour-sided  pyr- 
amids, sometimes  flattened  ;  powder  and  streak  brown- 
ish ;  lustre  imperfect  metallic  ;  opake ;  brittle ;  crys- 
tals sometimes  so  minute  as  to  resemble  a  tuft  of  hair, 
and  sometimes  of  considerable  size  ;  fracture  conchoi- 
dal,  or  uneven ;  sp.  gr.  4.  to  4.50  ;  sometimes  mag- 
netic. 

Chem.  Ch-ir.  Infusible  alone,  but  with  borax,  yields  a  rich  and  live- 
ly grass  green  bead. 

Comp.  Oxide  of  iron  34.7  ;  chromic  acid  43  ;  alumine  20.3;  silex 
2. —  Vauquelin. 

Dist.  Char.  The  green  tinge  it  gives  to  borax,  will  distinguish  it 
from  octohedral  iron,  which  it  most  resembles,  and  from  the  dark  va- 
rieties of  blende. 

This  species  is  usually  found  embedded  in  serpentine,  steatite,  or 
talc. 

Local.  Near  Grassin,  department  of  Var,  in  France,  in  nodules 
and  veins,  in  serpentine.  Uralian  Mountains,  in  Siberia.  Shetland 
Islands.  In  Bohemia,  Silesia,  and  Piedmont. 

U.  S.  Loudon  County,   Va.    Bare  Hills,  near  Baltimore,  Md.  in 


ARSENIATE  OF  IRON.  239 

great  abundance,  in  serpentine.  From  this  locality,  according  to 
Hayden,  it  extends  through  Pennsylvania,  New  Jersey,  and  New 
York,  to  Milford,  in  Connecticut.  From  10  to  14  miles  from  Phila- 
delphia, on  the  West  Chester  and  Lancaster  roads  it  occurs  in  de- 
tached masses,  weighing  from  a  few  ounces  to  20  pounds,  and  in  one 
instance  500  pounds  — Cooper  Hoboken,  N.  J  in  octohedral  crys- 
tals. On  Staten  Island,  N.  Y.  Milford,  Conn,  disseminated  in  ser- 
pentine. Cummington,  Mass. 

Uses.  Chromate  of  iron  is  employed  to  furnish  the  chromic  acid, 
which  being  united  with  oxide  of  lead,  forms  the  chromate  of  lead, 
or  chrome  yellow,  a  yellow  pigment  in  great  demand. 

The  chromate  of  "iron  is  worth  from  40  to  60  dolls,  a  ton  in  mark- 
et. The  chromate  of  lead  sells  in  large  quantities  for  $1,00  a  pound, 
and  in  smaller  quantities,  or  by  the  single  pound  $1,25  to  $1,50.  It 
is  stated  that  in  1819,  about  3000  pounds  of  the  chromate  of  lead 
were  manufactured  in  Philadelphia. — Cleveland. 

Species  19.     ARSENIATE  OF  IRON. 

Fer  arseniate,  H.     Hexahedral  Olivenite,  J.     Arseniate  of  Iron,  A. 
P.  C.     Hexahedral  Lirocone-Malachite,  M. 

Ext.  Char. — Color,  olive  green,  passing  into  bottle 
green  and  brownish  green ;  also  yellowish  brown,  and 
yellowish  red;  streak,  and  powder,  pale  brown  ;  oc- 
curs in  small,  and  often  very  perfect  cubes,  sometimes 
truncated  on  the  alternate  angles,  or  on  the  edges  and 
angles ;  crystals  longitudinally  striated ;  lustre  ada- 
mantine ;  sometimes  occurs  stalactical,  and  studded 
with  crystals;  fracture  imperfectly  conchoid al;  trans- 
parent, translucent,  or  opake ;  yields  to  the  knife  ;  sp. 
gr.  3. 


Fig:  30.  A  cube,  with  a  triangular  face  on  each  alternate,  solid  an- 
gle, formed  by  truncation. 

Fig.  31.  A  cube,  with  the  alternate  solid  angles  replaced  by  four 
planes,  of  which  the  middle  one  is  a  hexagon,  and  the  others,  trian- 
gles. 

Chem.  Char.  Melts  in  the  flame  of  a  candle.  On  charcoal,  before 
the  blowpipe,  emits  the  arsenical  odor,  and  leaves  a  magnetic 
scoria. 

Comp.  Oxide  of  iron  48  ;  arsenic  acid  18  ;  water  32 ;  carbonate 
of  lime  2. — Vauquelin. 

Local.  St.  Leonard,  in  France.  Cornwall,  and  near  St.  Day,  in 
England,  with  the  other  ores  of  iron. 

Jt  is  a  rare  mineral. 


240         OXALATE  OP  IRON.      BLACK  OXIDE  OP  URANIUM. 

Species  20.     OXALATE  OF  IRON. 

Oxalate  of  Iron.     Humboldtine,  P. 

Ext.  Char.— Color,  bright  yellow  ;  occurs  in  crystal- 
line, flattish  masses,  of  indeterminate  forms ;  yields  to 
the  nail;  acquires  electricity  by  friction;  sp.gr.  1.3. 

Chem.  Char.  Decomposes  easily  by  heat,  giving  out  a  vegetable 
odor,  and  leaving  a  residue,  which  is  at  first  yellow,  then  black,  and 
finally  becomes  red.  Insoluble  in  boiling  water,  or  alcohol. 

Comp.  Protoxide  of  iron  53.56  ;  oxalic  acid  46. 14. — River o. 

Local.  Near  Berlin,  in  Bohemia,  in  friable  lignite.  The  oxalic 
acid,  is  supposed  to  proceed  from  the  decomposition  of  succulent 
plants,  many  varieties  of  which  contain  it. 

Genus  11.— URANIUM. 

This  metal  is  reduced  to  its  pure  state  with  great  difficulty,  even 
in  the  laboratory  of  the  chemist.  According  to  Klaproth,  uranium  is 
of  a  dark  grey  color,  with  a  metallic  lustre  and  granular  texture.  It  is 
soluble  in  nitric  acid  ;  fuses  with  great  difficulty,  and  affords  a  deep 
orange  color  to  porcelain  enamel :  sp.  gr.  8  to  9. 

Species  1.     BLACK  OXIDE  OF  URANIUM. 
Urane  oxidule,  H.     Uran-Ochre.     Pitch  Blende,  A.  P.     Indivisible 
Uranium,   J.      Uncleavable  Uranium-Ore,  M.     Black  Oxide  of 
Uranium,  C. 

Ext.  Char. — Colors,  greyish  black,  bluish  black, 
brownish  black,  and  iron  black  ;  occurs  glohular,  ren- 
iform,  and  amorphous  ;  fracture  imperfectly  conchoi- 
dal;  structure  granular  or  slaty;  lustre  imperfectly 
metallic;  translucent,  opake  ;  brittle;  scratches  glass, 
but  yields  to  the  knife;  sp.  gr.  7.5. 

Chem.  Char.  Infusible  alone  ;  with  borax,  yields  a  grey  slag.  So- 
luble in  nitric  acid,  with  the  emission  of  nitrous  gas. 

Comp.  Oxide  of  uranium  86.5  ;  galena  6  ;  oxide  of  iron  2.5  ;  silex 
5. — Klaproth. 

Dist.  Char.  From  the  dark  varieties  of  the  sulphuret  of  zinc,  it  is 
distinguished  by  its  greater  specific  gravity,  and  its  want  of  the  folia- 
ted structure  which  the  zinc  possesses.  The  chromate  of  iron  gives 
a  green  globule  with  borax  and  the  ferruginous  oxide  of  tungsten,  is 
fusible  alone. 

This  rare  species  is  found  in  primitive  rocks,  commonly  in  small 
masses,  It  is  associated  with  the  ores  of  copper,  cobalt,  arsenic,  sil- 
ver, &c. 

Local  Konsberg,  in  Norway.  Joachimsthal,  in  Bohemia,  and  in 
Cornwall,  England. 


GREEN  OXIDE  OF  URANIUM.  211 

•Species  2.     GREEN  OXIDE  OF  URANIUM. 

I  Iran  oxide,  H.  Micaceous  UraniticOre,  K.  Uranite,  A.  P.  Green 
Oxide  of  Uranium,  C.  Pyramidal  Uranite,  J.  Pyramidal  Etichlore- 
Mica,  M. 

Ext.  Char. — Color,  emerald,  or  grass  green,  often 
very  beautiful  ;  also,  yellowish  green,  leek  green,  and 
lemon  yellow ;  streak  pale ;  occurs  crystallized  in 
quadrangular  prisms,  in  four,  six,  and  eight-sided 
tables,  and  rarely,  in  obtuse  octohedrons  ;  all  the  va- 
rieties subject  to  truncation  ;  crystals  variously  group- 
ed, sometimes  resembling  a  fan,  and  sometimes  a 
sheaf ;  sometimes  it  appears  like  a  scale  of  mica,  at- 
tached to  some  other  mineral ;  structure  foliated  ; 
cleavage,  easy  in  certain  directions  ;  lustre  glistening, 
and  sometimes  pearly ;  transparent,  translucent  -,  yields 
to  the  knife  ;  sp.  gr.  3.10. 


Fig.  32.  An  eight-sided  tabular  crystal,  one  of  the  common 
forms. 

Fig.  33.  An  octohedron,  with  truncated  summits,  and  truncated 
angles. 

Chem.  Char.  Decrepitates,  but  does  not  melt.  Dissolves  in  nitric 
acid,  yielding  when  the  solution  is  saturated,  a  lemon  yellow  solution ; 
with  borax,  yields  a  yellowish  green  glass. 

Comp.  Oxide  of  uranium  72.15;  water  15.70;  lime  6.87 ;  oxides 
of  tin  and  manganese  1.55  ;  gangue  2.50. — Berzelius. 

Obs.  According  to  the  analysis  of  Phillips,  a  specimen  from  Corn- 
wall, yielded  oxide  of  uranium  60 ;  oxide  of  copper  9  ;  phosphoric 
acid  15.3  ;  water  13.8  ;  silex  0.5. 

If  this  is  the  composition  of  the  present  species,  it  is  a  phosphate 
of  uranium,  probably  colored  by  phosphate  of  copper. 

Dist.  Char.  It  resembles  green  mica,  but  the  mica  is  elastic,  while 
the  uranium  is  easily  broken,  and  is  inelastic  ;  mica  is  also  more  easi- 
ly cleaved.  It  may  resemble  some  of  the  green  ores  of  copper,  but 
copper  when  dissolved  in  nitric  acid,  yields  a  blue  color  with  ammo- 
nia, which  the  uranium  does  not. 

It  is  found  in  primitive  rocks,  and  particularly  in  granite. 

Local.  Cornwall,  where  it  is  found  in  granite,  with  the  ores  of 
copper,  arseniate  of  iron,  wavellite,  &c.  Bodenmais,  in  Bavaria, 
with  felspar  and  beryl.  Near  Autun,  and  near  Limoges,  in  France. 

U.  S,  Near  Baltimore,  Md — Gilmor^ 
31 


242  OXIDE  OF  TIN. 


1.      EARTHY  OXIDE  OF  URANIUM. 

Urane  oxide  terreux,  H.     Uran  Ochre,  J.     Pulverulent  Uranite,  A, 
Earthy  Green  Oxide  of  Uranium,  C. 

Ext.  Char.  —  Color,  yellow,  of  various  shades,  also 
greenish  yellow;  occurs  in  a  pulverulent  state,  forming 
crusts  on  other  minerals  ;  also  in  small  indurated  masses, 
with  little  lustre,  and  an  earthy  aspect 

It  is  found  with  the  present  species. 
V.  S.  Near  Baltimore,  Md. 

Genus  12.—  TIN. 

Tin  is  a  white  metal  of  considerable  lustre,  and  not  easily  oxidated 
by  exposure.  It  is  easily  cut  with  a  knife,  but  is  not  so  soft  as  lead. 
When  bent,  it  makes  a  peculiar  crackling  noise,  probably  owing  to 
the  separation  of  some  of  its  particles.  It  is  very  malleable,  and  is 
readily  reduced  into  thin  sheets.  It  melts  at  442°  Fah.  sp.  gr.  7.29. 

Uses.  Tin  is  employed  for  various,  and  very  important  purposes. 
Thin  sheets  of  iron,  being  dipped  into  melted  tin,  receive  a  coat  of 
the  metal,  and  are  thus  prevented  from  rusting.  This  is  commonly 
called  sheet  tin,  and  is  the  article  of  which  the  common  tin  ware  is 
made.  Tin  foil  with  mercury,  forms  the  amalgam  on  the  backs  of 
looking-glasses.  Tin  also  forms  a  part  of  prince's  metal,  Brittania 
metal,  pewter  speculum  metal,  &c. 

Obs.  It  was  formerly  supposed  that  tin  was  sometimes  found  in  its 
native  state,  but  Mr.  Phillips  observes,  that  this  error  arose  from  there 
having  been  found  pieces  of  the  metal  at  the  scites  of  old  smelting 
places,  and  which  had  been  reduced  by  the  heat,  long  before. 

The  ores  of  tin,  are  only  two,  an  oxide,  and  a  sulphuret. 

Species  I.     OXIDE  OF  TIN. 

Etain  oxide,  H.     Tinstone,  K.  A.     Pyramidal  Tin-Ore,  J.  M.     Ox- 
ide of  Tin,  P.  C. 

Ext.  Char.  —  Colors,  yellowish  brown,  brownish  black, 
greyish  yellow,  hair  brown,  and  nearly  colorless,  and 
transparent  ;  the  light  brown,  translucent,  and  the 
darker  colors,  opake  ;  occurs  in  crystals,  and  in  mass- 
es, from  the  size  of  grains  to  that  of  the  fist  ;  primitive 
form,  the  octohedron,  with  square  bases  ;  secondary 
forms  very  numerous,  but  difficult  to  ascertain,  on  ac- 
count of  the  imperfections,  or  grouping  of  the  crystals  • 
lustre  resinous,  or  adamantine  ;  structure  lamellar  ; 
cleavage  parallel  to  the  axis  of  the  octohedron,  and 
also  to  the  diagonals  of  the  common  base  ;  fracture 


OXIDE  OF  IRON. 


243 


uneven  and  imperfectly  conchoidal  ;  gives  sparks  with 
steel  ;  brittle  ;  sp.  gr.  6.  7  to  7. 


Fig.  34.  An  obtuse  octohedron,  or  double  four-sided  pyramid,  the 
primitive  form. 

Fig.  35.  A  four-sided  prism,  terminated  by  four-sided  pyramids. 
This  is  one  of  the  most  common  forms. 

ffig.  36.  The  same  as  35  with  the  angles  truncated. 

fig.  37.  A  macled,  or  twin  crystal,  composed  of  two  four-sided 
prisms,  with  truncated  edges  joined  together. 

Fig.  38.  A  four-sided  prism,  surmounted  by  eight-sided  pyramids, 
which  are  terminated  by  four-sided  summits. 

A  great  variety  .of  other  secondary  forms  are  ennumerated. 
Chem   Char.  It  decrepitates  strongly,  but  in  fine  powder,  may  be 
reduced  to  the  metallic  state  on  charcoal. 

Comp.  Tin  77.5;  ox)  gen  21.5;  oxide  of  iron  0.25 ;  silex  0.75. — 
Ktaproth. 

Dist .  Char.  Carbonate  of  iron,  which  it  most  resembles,  leaves  a 
magnetic  globule  under  the  blowpipe  Sulphuret  of  zinc  is  infusible, 
and  not  so  hard  as  oxide  of  tin  ;  and  ferruginous  oxide  of  tungsten, 
yields  readily  to  the  knife,  and  melts  into  a  black  scoria. 

Tin  occurs  only  in  primitive  rocks.  Its  localities  are  few,  but 
Jameson  observes,  that  when  it  does  occur,it  is  generally  in  consider- 
able quantities. 

Local.  Cornwall,  in  England.  Gallacia,  in  Spain.  Bohemia,  and 
Saxony.  Sumatra,  Siam,  and  Pegu.  Mexico  and  Chili. 

O6s.  1.  The  greatest  known  deposite  of  tin,  is  at  Cornwall,  where 
it  occurs  in  veins,  traversing  granite,  and  other  primitive  rocks,  and 
is  associated  with  chlorite,  iron  pyrites,  topaz,  quartz,  fluor,  &c.  The 
ore  from  the  Cornwall  mines  is  most  commonly  found  in  the  state  of 
crystals,  variously  grouped  or  aggregated,  and  according  to  Phillips 
the  different  veins  yield  different  varieties  of  form.  It  is  also  found 
in  alluvial  deposites,  in  the  same  district,  and  is  called  Stream  Tin, 
because  the  ore  is  separated  from  the  rocks  and  brought  down,  by 
streams  of  water. 

Some  of  the  Cornwall  mines  extend  many  hundred  feet  under  the 
sea,  and  it  is  said  that  in  one  of  them  the  noise  of  the  waves,  and  the 
rolling  of  the  pebbles  can  be  distinctly  heard,  so  near  has  the  excava- 
tion been  carried  to  the  bottom  of  the  ocean. 

2.  The  Block  Tin  of  commerce  is  extracted  from  the  ore  taken 
from  the  excavated  mines.  Grain  tin,  which  is  said  to  be  of  a  purer 
quaiily,  is  extracted  from  stream  tin, 


244  SULPHURET  OF  TIN  AND  COPPER. 

Var.  1.  FIBROUS  OXIDE  OF  TIN.  WOOD  TIN. 

Etain  oxyde  concretionne,  H.     Wood   Tin  J.  A.     Fibrous  oxide  of 

Tin  P.  C. 

Ext.  Char. — Color,  brown  of  several  shades;  occurs 
amorphous,  reniform,  globular,  and  wedge  shaped ; 
surface  generally  water- worn;  structure  fibrous  in  one 
direction  and  concentric  lamellar  in  the  other;  fibres 
radiate,  or  diverge,  sometimes  intersect  each  other  ; 
lustre  feebly  resinous  ;  colors,  sometimes  arranged  in 
bands  ;  sp.  gr.  6-4. 

Chem.  Char.  Decrepitates,  and  becomes  reddish,  but  does  not  melt 
Comp.  Oxide  of  tin  91 ;  oxide  of  iron  9. —  VauqueUn. 

Var.  2.  TOAD'S  EYE  WOOD  TIN. 
Toad's  Eye  Wood  Tin  P. 

Ext.  Char. — Colors,  hair  brown,  and  yellowish  white, 
arranged  in  concentric  layers ;  occurs  in  minute  spher- 
ical masses,  composed  of  fibres  radiating  from  the  cen-^ 
tre. 

Obs.  Wood  Tin,  so  called,  from  its  fibrous  structure,  resembling 
that  of  wood,  is  found  chiefly  in  the  alluvial  mining  districts  of  Corn- 
wall It  is  commonly  found  in  small  masses,  but  a  mass  found  near 
St.  Austle  weighs  15  Ib.  and  for  which  100  dollars  has  been  offered. 

The  toad's  eye  variety,  is  found  in  small  masses  embedded  in  an 
aggregate  of  schorl  and  quartz. 

Var.  3.    COLUMBIFEROXJS  OXIDE  OF  TIN. 

Columbiferous  Oxide  of  Tin  P. 

Ext.  Char. — Color,  reddish  black,  or  reddish  grey  -y 
occurs  in  small  octohedrons,  or  crystalline  grains ; 
lustre  metallic ;  fracture  uneven ;  opake ;  scratches 
glass  ;  sp.  gr.  6,55. 

Chem.  Char.  It  does  not  alter  before  the  blowpipe. 

Comp.  Oxide  of  tin  63.6 ;  oxide  of  columbium  2.4  ;  oxide  of  iron 
1.4  ;  of  manganese  0.8  ;  Another  variety  yielded  12  per  cent  of  the 
oxide  of  columbium. — Berzelius. 

Local.  Finbo  in  Sweden. 

Species  2.  SULPHURET  OF  TIN  AND  COPPER. 

Etain  sulphure  H.  Tin  Pyrites,  A.  P.  Pyritous  Tin,  C. 

Ext.  Char. — Color,  steel  grey,  yellowish  white,  and 

yellow ;  occurs  amorphous,  with  the  colors  intermixed, 

giving  it  the  appearance  of  bell  metal,  whence  it  is 


SULPHURET  OF  ZINC. 

sometimes  called  bell  metal  ore;  fracture  granular 
and  uneven ;  lustre  metallic ;  brittle ;  yields  to  the 
knife;  sp.  gr.  4.3  to  4.78. 

Chem.  Char.  Fusible  with  the  odor  of  sulphur,  into  a  black  scoria, 
but  is  not  reduced  to  the  metallic  state. 

Comp.  Tin  34  ;  copper  36  ;  sulphur  25  ;  iron  2  —  Klaproth. 

Remark.  The  analysis  does  not  shew  whether  these  constituents 
exist  in  a  state  of  chemical  combination,  or  in  the  state  of  simple  mix- 
ture. 

Local.  Cornwall,  only,  where  it  is  associated  with  pyritous  copper 
and  blende. 

Genus  13.— . ZINC. 

Zinc  when  pure  is  of  a  brilliant  white  color,  with  a  tinge  of  blue  ; 
fracture  uneven,  striated,  or  foliated,  presenting  the  result  of  a  con- 
fused crystallization  ;  when  rubded  on  the  fingers,  zinc  imparts  to 
them  a  peculiar  taste  and  smell.  When  cold  it  is  not  malleable,  but 
when  heated  to  a  little  above  212  deg  it  becomes  malleable,  and  may 
be  hammered  into  thin  plates,  or  drawn  under  rollers.  If  heated  to 
about  400  deg.  it  becomes  so  brittle  as  to  be  easily  reduced  to  powder 
in  a  mortar. —  Thomson. 

Zinc  melts  at  680  deg.  and  if  the  temperature  be  increased,  it  burns 
with  a  bluish  white  flame  ;  sp.  gr.  7.29. 

Uses.  When  mixed  with  copper  it  forms  brass,  one  of  the  most  use- 
ful and  common  of  alloys  In  chemistry  it  is  employed  to  obtain  hy- 
drogen, by  solution  with  sulphuric  acid  and  water.  Its  sails  and 
oxides  are  employed  in  medicine,  and  the  pure  metal,  when  reduced 
to  thin  sheets,  is  used  to  cover  the  roofs  of  buildings. 

Zinc  never  occurs  in  the  native  state,  but  is  found  mineralized  by 
sulphur,  oxygen,  or  carbonic  acid. 

Its  ores  are  few  in  number,  and  not  common. 

Species  1.  SULPHURET  OF  ZINC. 
Zinc  sulphure,  H.  Blende,  K.  A.  P.  Sulphuret  of  Zinc,  C    Dodeca- 

hedral  Zinc  Blende,  J.  Dodecahedral  Garnet-Blende,  M. 
Ext.  Char. — Colors,  yellowish,  greenish,  reddish,  or 
blackish  brown ;  streak  corresponding  with  the  color, 
but  paler  ;  occurs  crystallized,  amorphous,  and  lamel- 
liform ;  primitive  form,  the  rhombic  dodecahedron  ; 
secondary  forms,  the  octohedron,  and  tetrahedron, 
with  their  varieties,  often  modified  by  truncation  and 
bevelment ;  opake,  or  translucent ;  yields  to  the  knife ; 
brittle  ;  crystals  commonly  grouped  so  as  to  make  it 
difficult  to  determine  their  forms ;  lustre  shining,  or 
n .  ..*-;  r  *rr  JM 


246  SULPHURET  OP  ZINci 

splendent ;  sometimes  metallic,  or  adamantine ;  struc- 
ture foliated ;  sp.  gr.  3.7  to  4. 


Fig.  39.  The  rhombic  dodecahedron,  the  primitive  form- 

Fig.  40.  The  same  with  all  the  edges  truncated. 

Remark.  These  simple  forms  are  subject  to  deep  and  various  trun- 
cations ;  so  that  in  many  instances,  the  forms  are  very  difficult  to  de- 
termine or  understand.  One  complex  form,  having  the  general  ap- 
pearance of  fig.  39,  is  so  modified  by  truncation,  as  to  present  24  faces, 
of  wnich  12  are  nearly  equilateral,  and  12  isoceles  triangles. 

Chem.  Char.  Decrepitates,  but  is  commonly  infusible.  When  pul- 
verized and  thrown  into  sulphuric  acid,  it  gives  the  odor  of  sulphu- 
retted hydrogen. 

Comp.  (Brown  variety.)  Zinc  58.8 ;  sulphur  23.5  ;  iron  8.4  ;  silex 
7.0. — Thomson. 

(Yellow  variety.)  Zinc  64  ;  sulphur  20  ;  water  6  ;  iron 5  j  fluoric 
acid  4 ;  silex  1. — Bergman. 

Dist.  Char.  Sulphuret  of  lead  is  easily  reduced  to  the  metallic  state 
by  the  blowpipe,  while  the  zinc  is  infusible.  Oxide  of  tin  is  of  a  dark- 
er color  than  the  present  species,  and  wants  its  foliated  structure, 
Chromate  of  iron  tinges  borax  green,  and  the  carbonate  of  iron  yields 
a  magnetic  globule,  neither  of  which  characters  belong  to  zinc. 

Zinc  is  found  in  primitive  and  secondary  rocks,  and  is  associated 
with  sulphuret  of  lead,  with  iron  and  copper. 

Local  Cornwall,  and  Derbyshire,  England,  Perthshire,  Cumber- 
land, and  in  the  lead  hills  near  Edinburgh. 

U  S  Near  Baltimore,  Md.  Perkiomen  lead  mine,  Penn.  Hamburg 
and  Sparta,  N.  J.  Near  Hamilton  College,  N.  Y.  color,  wax  yellow 
and  translucent. —  Torrey.  At  Shawangunk  Mountain,  and  in  the 
Highlands,  N.  Y.  Berlin,  Conn,  color  yellow.  Southampton  lead  mine, 
Mass.  Also  at  Leverett. 

Obs.  This  ore  commonly  occurs  too  widely  disseminated  in  its 
gangue  to  make  it  profitable  for  working.  It  is  however  sometimes, 
after  roasting,  used  in  the  preparation  of  brass. 

Far.   1.       PHOSPHORESCENT  BLENDE. 

Yellow  Zinc  Blende,  J.     Yellow  Sulphuret  of  Zinc,  C.    Phospho- 
rescent Blende,  P. 

Ext.  Char. — Color,  yellowish,  sometimes  lemon  yel- 
low ;  occasionally  mixed  with  green,  and  red ; 
translucent ;  lustre  adamantine ;  phosphorescent  by 
friction. 


SULPHURET   OP  ZINC.  247 

Local  Perthshire,  and  Flintshire.   The  Hartz.    In  Saxony,  and 
Bohemia. 
It  is  one  of  the  rarest  varieties  of  zinc  ore. 

Var.  2.     FIBROUS  BLENDE. 

Zinc  sulfure  strie,  H.     Fibrous  Brown  Zinc-Blende,  J.      Fibrous 

Sulphuret  of  Zine,  C.     Fibrous  Blende,  A.  P. 
Ext.  Char. — Colors,  reddish  brown,  yellowish  brown 
and  iron  black ;  occurs  reniform,  and  massive  ;  opake, 
or  translucent ;  structure  fibrous,    often  radiating,  or 
diverging. 

Chem.  Char.  Gives  the  odor  of  sulphur,  and  sometimes  even  burns 
with  a  bluish  flame,  but  is  not  reduced  to  its  metallic  state. 
Local  Cornwall,  Eng.     Brisgaw,  and  Reabel,  in  Carinthia. 
It  is  a  rare  variety. 

Var.  3.       MAMMILLATED  BLENDE, 

Mammillated  Blende,  P. 

Ext.  Char. — Color,  externally,  brown,  or  blackish 
brown  ;  internally,  hair  brown,  passing  into  yellowish 
white ;  occurs  in  mammillated,  and  botryoidal  masses ; 
structure  concentric  lamellar  ;  fracture  in  one  direc- 
tion, flat  conchoidal ;  translucent  on  the  edges. 

Comp.   Oxide  of  zinc  66  ;  sulphur  33.-— /CzW. 
Remark.  In  the  other  varieties,  the  zinc  is  not  in  the  state  of  an 
oxide.     Possibly  there  may  be  a  mistake  in  this  analysis. 

Var.  4.       CADMIFEROUS  BLENDE. 

Cadmiferous  Blende,  P. 

Ext.  Char. — Color,  brown  ;  lustre  metallic,  when 
fresh  fractured ;  structure  radiated ;  occurs  embedded 
in  common  massive  blende  ;  sp.  gr.  4. 

Obs.  The  presence  of  cadmium  in  this  variety,  was  first  discov- 
ered by  Stromeyer,  and  according  to  Phillips,  has  since  been  found 
in  the  radiated  siliciferous  oxides  of  zinc,  from  Freyberg,  and  Der- 
byshire. 

Var.  5.       BLACK  BLENDE. 

Zinc  sufure  noir,  H.     Black  Zinc-Blende,  J.    Black  Sulphuret  of 

Zinc,  C. 

Ext.  Char. — Colors,  black,  reddish,  greyish,  orbrownr 
ish  black,  often  irised  ;  occurs  massive  and  crystalli- 
zed fracture  foliated  ;  nearly  opake  ;  transmits  a  blood 
paj  light ;  lustre  more  or  less  shining,  and  metallic. 

Obs.  I.  According  to  Jameson,  the  different  colored  varieties  of 
zinc,  characterize  different  formations,  the  yellow  being  the  oldest, 
the  black  the  newest,  and  the  brown  of  an  intermediate  age. 


248  RE*,  AND  SILICIOUS  OXIDE  OF  ZINC. 

2.  Sulphuretofzinc,  is  not  extensively  worked  for  the  purpose  of 
obtaining  the  metal,  its  reduction  being  much  more  difficult  than 
that  of  calamine,  the  ore  from  which  zinc  is  commonly  obtained. 
The  miners  know  this  species  under  the  name  of  blackjack. 

Species  2.  RED  OXIDE  OF  ZINC. 
Red  Oxide  of  Zinc,  Bruce.  A.  P.  C.  Zinc-Ore,  M. 
Ext.  Char. — Colors,  ruby,  blood,  or  aurora  red,  some- 
times yellowish  red;  occurs  massive,  and  dissem- 
inated; fracture  foliated  in  one  direction,  and  flat 
conchoidal  in  the  other  ;  lustre  shining,  and  somewhat 
micaceous  ;  cleavage,  (according  to  Phillips)  parallel 
to  all  the  planes  of  a  regular  six-sided  prism ;  translu- 
cent on  the  edges ;  by  exposure,  becomes  dull,  and 
covered  with  a  whitish  pearly  crust ;  structure  folia- 
ted ;  brittle,  and  easily  reduced  to  powder;  yields  to 
the  knife  ;  sp.  gr.  6.22. 

Chem.  Char.  Infusible  alone,  but  with  borax  yields  a  yellowish 
transparent  bead.  Soluble  with  effervescence,  in  all  the  minerals 
acids  ;  with  potash,  melts  into  an  emerald  gieen  glass,  which  com- 
municates to  water,  the  same  color,  but  is  changed  to  rose  red,  on 
the  addition  of  a  few  drops  of  acid. — Bruce. 

Comp.  Zinc  76  j  oxygen  16  ;  oxides  of  manganese,  and  iron  8. — 
Bruce. 

Oxide  of  zinc  88  ;  red  oxide  of  manganese  12. — Berthier. 

Dist.  Char.  It  differs  from  red  sulphuretted  antimonial  silver,  and 
from  the  chromate  of  lead,  by  its  infusibility  before  the  blowpipe ; 
from  the  red  oxide  of  copper  by  its  greater  specific  gravity,  and  by  its 
colorless  solution  in  nitric  acid  ;  from  the  red  oxide  of  titanium,  by  its 
solubility  in  acids  ;  and  is  not  like  the  red  sulphuret  of  arsenic,  vola- 
alized  by  the  blowpipe,  with  the  garlic  odor. — Cleveland. 

Local.  In  the  Franklin,  Stirling,  and  Rutger's  iron  mines,  in  Sus- 
sex County,  N.  J.  At  Franklin,  it  is  embedded  in  a  whitish  oxide  of 
zinc.  Sometimes  the  Franklinite  is  embedded  in  it,  forming  an  ag- 
gregate of  a  singular  aspect,  a  red  ground,  with  black  spots. 

Obs.  Cleveland  remarks,  that  this  ore  is  well  adapted  to  the  man- 
ufacture of  brass. 

Species  3.     SILICIOUS  OXIDE  OF  ZINC. 

Zinc  oxide,  H.     Silicious  Oxide  of  Zinc,  P.  C.     Prismatic  Calamine, 
or  Electric  Calamine,  J.     Prismatic  Zinc-Baryte,  M. 

Ext.  Char. — Colors,  yellowish  or  greyish  white,  and 
light  brown,  sometimes  with  a  tinge  of  green ;  occurs 
slalactical,  botryoidal,  massive,  and  crystallized  ;  pri- 
mary form  the  right  rhombic  prism ;  secondary  forms 


CARBONATE  OF  ZINC.  249 

the  six-sided  prism,  and  the  four  sided  table,  variously 
modified  by  truncation  ;  also  the  octohedron  ;  crys- 
tals commonly  collected  into  groups ;  translucent  or 
transparent;  becomes  electric  by  heat;  sometimes 
gives  fire  with  steel,  but  may  more  commonly  be 
scratched  by  the  knife ;  texture,  foliated,  fibrous,  or 
earthy  ;  sp.  gr.  3.4. 

Chem.  Char.  Whitens,  and  becomes  friable,  but  does  not  melt. 
Dissolves  in  nitric  acid,  without  effervescence,  forming  a  gelatinous 
solution. 

Comp.  Oxide  of  zinc  66 ;  silex  33. — Klaproth. 

Oxide  of  zinc  38  ;  silex  50  ;  water  12. — Pellttier. 

Dist.  Char.  The  zeolites,  which  it  sometimes  reseml  les,  melt 
into  a  spongy  mass.  From  stilbite,  and  the  varieties  of  carbonate  and 
sulphate  of  lime,  it  is  distinguished  by  the  effects  of  acids,  and  the  re- 
sult of  the  blowpipe,  as  also  by  its  electric  property. 

This  species  is  found  in  primitive,  transition,  and  secondary  rocks, 
but  most  frequently  in  limestone. 

Local.  Wanlockhead,  in  Scotland.  Leicestershire,  and  Derby- 
shire, Eng.  Flintshire,  in  Wales.  Bleiberg,  in  Carinthia,  and  Fri- 
berg,  in  the  Brisgau. 

U.  S.  Perkiomen  lead  mine,  and  at  Conestoga  Creek,  Penn,  Near 
the  falls  of  the  Hockhocking,  Ohio. 

Species  4.     CARBONATE  OF  ZINC. 

Zinc  carbonate,  H.     Rhomboidal  Calamine,  J.     Carbonate  of  Zinc, 
P.  C.     Rhombohedral  Zinc-Baryte,  M. 

Ext.  Char. — Color,  grey,  greenish,  or  brown,  and 
sometimes  nearly  white  ;  occurs  crystallized,  compact, 
amorphous,  pseudo-morphous,  and  cupriferous  ;  trans- 
lucent, or  opake  ;  yields  to  the  knife;  not  electric  by 
heat ;  sp.  gr.  3.3/>  to  4.41. 

Chem.  Char.  Infusible,  but  loses  about  34  per  cent,  by  ignition. 
Soluble  with  effervescence,  in  cold  sulphuric,  or  warm  nitric  acid. 
Cleveland  says,  if  paper,  which  has  been  immersed  in  a  solution  of 
this  salt,  in  nitric  acid,  be  dried,  and  then  held  at  the  distance  of  a 
few  inches  from  burning  coals,  it  spontaneously  kindles. 

Dist.  Char.  It  is  distinguished  from  the  silicious  oxide,  by  its  effer- 
vescence with  acids,  and  by  its  not  forming  a  gelatinous  solution. 

Var.  1.       CRYSTALLIZED  CARBONATE  OP  ZINC. 

Crystallized  Calamine,  P. 

Ext.  Char. — Colors,  yellowish,   greyish,  or  various 

shades  of  green   and  brown  ;  occurs   in   obtuse  and 

acute   rhomboids,   and  in   long  quadralateral   tables, 

variously  modified ;  structure  lamellar ;  cleavage  par- 

32 


250  CARBONATE  OF  ZINC. 

allel  to  all  the  planes  of  the  rhomboid  ;  lustre  vitre- 
ous ;  translucent;  yields  to  the  knife  ;  crystals  small. 

Comp.  Oxide  of  zinc  65.2  ;  carbonic  acid  34.8. — Smithson. 

Var.  2.     COMPACT  CARBONATE  OP  ZINC. 
Compact  Carbonate  of  Zinc,  or  Calamine,  C. 

Ext.  Char. — Colors,  greyish,  yellowish,  greenish,  or 
brownish ;  colors  dull ;  occurs  stalactical,  reniform, 
and  cellular;  structure  imperfectly  fibrous,  or  com- 
pact ;  fracture  uneven,  or  splintery  ;  lustre  feebly  glis- 
tening ;  translucent,  or  opake. 

Comp.  Oxide  of  zinc  64.8  ;  carbonic  acid  35.2. — Smithson. 

Var.  3.       PSEUDO-MORPHOUS  CARBONATE  OF  ZINC. 

Pseudo-morphous  Calamine,  P. 

Ext.  Char. — Color,  as  in  the  above  varieties ;  oc- 
curs in  the  form  of  that  variety  of  crystallized  carbo- 
nate of  lime,  called  Dog's-tooth  spar. 

Obs.  These  crystals,  instead  of  being  solid,  are  hollow,  the  carbo- 
nate of  zinc  having  been  deposited  on  the  dog's-tooth-spar,  after 
which  the  spar  lias  been  decomposed  and  washed  away. 

Var.  4.       EARTHY  CARBONATE  OP  ZINC. 

Earthy  Calamine,  P. 

Ext.  Char. — Colors,  white,  greyish,  or  yellowish 
white  ;  occurs  massive,  disseminated,  arid  investing ; 
yields  to  the  nail ;  fracture  and  texture  earthy ; 
adheres  to  the  tongue ;  sp.  gr.  3.36. 

Comp.  Oxide  of  zinc  71.4  ;  carbonic  acid  13.5  ;  water  15.1. — 
Smithson. 

Var.  5.     CUPREOUS  CARBONATE  OF  ZINC. 
Cupriferous  Calamine,  P. 

Ext.  Char. — Color,  pale  green  ;  occurs  in  thin  lamel- 
lae, composed  of  crystalline,  diverging  fibres,  closely 
aggregated;  lustre  silky. 

Obs.  It  contains  a  portion  of  carbonate  of  copper,  to  which  its  col- 
or is  owing. 

The  present  species  is  found  in  secondary  rocks,  and  most  often, 
in  limestone.  It  is  associated  with  the  ores  of  lead,  and  copper,  and 
with  the  silicious  oxide  of  zinc. 

Local.  Medship  Hills,  in  Somersetshire.  Holy  well,  in  Flintshire, 
where  it  occurs  in  obtuse  rhomboids,  Near  Castleton,  in  Derby- 
shire. Also  in  Bristol. 

U.  S  Perkiomen  lead  mine,  Penn.  in  reniform  concretions,  radiat- 
ed and  compact. —  Wetherill. 


SULPHATE  OF  ZINC.  251 

Uses.  When  melted  with  copper,  it  forms  brass. 
Obs.  1.    Both  of  these  species  were  anciently  known  under  the 
name  of  calamine. 

2.  The  ancients  highly  esteemed  an  earth  under  the  above  name, 
which  had  the  quality  of  converting  copper  into  a  golden  yellow  me- 
tal, and  at  the  same  time,  of  increasing  its  weight. 

3.  It  is  most  probable,  that  at  first,  brass  was  formed  by  the  nat- 
ural occurrence  of  the  ores  of  copper  and  zinc  together,  as  is  said  to 
be  the  case  in  some  of  the  Hungarian  mines. 

4.  Brass  had  been  made  and  employed  in  the  arts,  for  many  cen- 
turies, before  it  was  known,  that  calamine,  which  was  considered  an 
earth,  contained  a  metal. 

5.  At  present,  most  of  the  brass  used  in  commerce  and  the  arts,  is 
made,  more  or  less  after  the  ancient  manner.    The  oxide,  or  carbo- 
nate of  zinc,  being  previously  roasted,  is  mixed  with  granulated  cop- 
per and  charcoal,  and  then  exposed  to  a  proper  degree  of  heat.    The 
zinc  is  reduced   to  its  metallic  state,  and  unites  with  the  copper  to 
form  the  alloy  in  question. 

6.  The   mode  of  obtaining  metallic  zinc,  is  by  first  roasting  the 
calamine  to  drive  off  the  carbonic  acid,  and  other  volatile  matters,  and 
then   by  distilling,  in  earthen  retorts,   the  beaks  of  which  are  placed 
under  water.      The  metal  passes  by   distillation,   into  the  vessels  of 
water.     This  process  is  said  to  have  been  obtained  from  the    Chi- 
nese, by  a  person  who  went  out  for  that  purpose. 

Species  5.  SULPHATE  OF  ZINC. 

Zinc  sulphate,  H.    White  Vitriol,  A.  Pyramidal  Vitriol,  J.  Sulphate 
of  Zinc,  P.  C.     Prismatic  Vitriol-Salt,  M. 

Ext.  Char. — Colors,  white,  greyish,  or  reddish  white 
occurs  in  concretions,  in  efflorescences,  stalactical, 
reniform,  and  investing;  also  crystallized  in  minute 
rectangular,  four-sided  prisms  ;  structure  of  the  mas- 
sive fibrous,  and  radiated  ;  lustre  shining;  translucent; 
soft  ;  brittle  ;  soluble  in  water ;  taste,  styptic  and  nau- 
seous ;  sp.  gr.  2. 

Chem.  Char.  Before  the  blowpipe  it  fuses,  and  gives  off  a  large 
quantity  of  water  and  sulphuric  acid,  leaving  a  grey  scoria.  Its  so- 
lutions in  water,  are  precipitated  into  the  carbonated  alkalies. 

Comp.  Oxide  of  zinc  27.5  ;  sulphuric  acid  22 ;  water  50. 

It  is  found  in  mines,  containing  the  sulphuret  of  zinc,  from  the  de- 
composition of  which,  it  is  supposed  to  arise. 

Obs.  The  sulphate  of  zinc,  or  white  vitriol  of  commerce,  is  produ- 
ced by  the  same  kind  of  process,  already  described,  for  making  green 
vitriol,  or  sulphate  of  copper.  The  sulphuret  of  zinc,  being  first 
roasted,  is  exposed  to  the  action  of  the  air  and  moisture,  by  which 
means  the  sulphur  is  converted  into  sulphuric  acid,  by  the  absorption 
of  oxygen  from  the  atmosphere.  As  the  acid  forms,  it  combines  with 
the  zinc,  forming  a  sulphate,  which  is  obtained  by  lixiviation,  or 
ing,  and  subsequent  evaporation  and  crystallization. 


252  KLACK  OXIDE  OF  MANGANESE. 

Genus  14.— MANGANESE. 

Manganese,  in  its  metallic  state,  has  not  been  converted  to  any  use  ; 
it  is  therefore  never  reduced,  except  in  the  laboratory  of  the  chemist, 
in  small  quantities,  by  way  of  experiment. 

When  pure  it  is  of  a  greyish  white  color  like  cast  iron,  and  of  a 
brilliant  lustre  ;  melts  at  160  deg.  Wedgewood,  and  has  neither  taste, 
nor  smell.  Exposed  to  the  air,  it  soon  loses  its  lustre,  and  again  be- 
comes an  oxide  .  sp.  gr.  8. 

Uses.  The  black  oxide  of  manganese  is  employed,  with  muriate  of 
soda,  and  sulphuric  acid  to  produce  chlorine,  a  gas  used  in  bleaching 
cotton  and  linen  cloth,  paper,  &c.  It  is  also  used  with  sulphuric 
acid,  to  furnish  oxygen  fias,  for  chemical  purposes;  and  in  small  quan- 
tities, it  enters  into  the  composition  of  glass.  It  is  also  employed  to 
give  a  purple  tinge  to  enamel. 

Remark.  The  best  test  of  the  presence  of  manganese,  is  the  purple 
color  which  all  its  ores  give,  when  fused  with  borax. 

The  ores  of  tliis  mtial  are  not  very  numerous,  but  they  are  widely 
disseminated,  and  quite  common. 

Species  1.  BLACK  OXIDE  OF  MANGANESE. 

Manganese  oxide  metalloide,  H.  Grey  oxide  of  Manganese,  P.  Grey 
Manganese,  A.  Oxide  of  Manganese,  C.  Uncleavable  Manganese- 
Ore,  M. 

Ext.  Char — Colors,  greyish  black,  dark  violet,  or 
iron  black  ;  occurs  massive,  acicular,  and  crystal- 
lized ;  primitive  form,  the  rhombic  prism,  with  various 
modifications  ;  also,  in  acicular  crystals,  longitudinally 
striated,  and  diverging,  or  confusedly  intersecting  each 
other ;  lustre  earthy,  sometimes  metallic,  and  shining ; 
soils  the  fingers ;  sp.  gr.  4  J  4  to  4.80. 

Far.  1.  RADIATED  AND  FIBROUS  BLACK  OXIDE  OF  MANGANESE. 

Radiated  and  Fibrous  Grey  Manganese,  J     Radiated  oxide  of  Man- 
ganese, C. 

Ext.  Char.— Color,  dark  steel  grey,  passing  into  iron 
black;  occurs  in  fibres,  or  in  acicular  crystals,  some- 
times radiating  from  a  point,  and  sometimes  intersect- 
ing each  other  in  various  directions,  and  resembling  a 
bunch  of  the  finest  steel  needles,  after  having  been  in 
the  fire ;  lustre  metallic  ;  often  presenting  specimens  of 
singular  beauty. 

Chem.  Char.  Infusible  alone,  but  with  borax  dissolves,  giving  the 
globule  a  dark  violet,  or  purple  tinge.  When  a  grain  or  two  of  its 
powder  is  mixed  with  a  little  common  salt,  and  n  oistened  with  sul- 
phuric acid,  and  heated,  the  suffocating  smell  of  chlorine  is  emitted. 


RLACK  OXIDE  OF  MANGANESE.  253 

Comp.  Manganese  44 ;  oxygen  42 ;  oxide  of  iron  3  ;  silex  5  ;  car- 
bon 1.5. — Cordier. 

Oxide  of  Manganese  99.25  ;  water  Q35.—Klaproth. 

Dist.  Char.  It  resembles  sulphuret  of  antimony,  but  this  is  easily 
fusible,  while  the  manganese  is  infusible.  It  may  be  confounded 
with  brown  haematite,  but  this  becomes  magnetic  under  the  blowpipe, 
and  tinges  borax  brown,  while  the  manganese  tinges  borax  purple. 

Var.  2.  COMPACT  BLACK  OXIDE  OP  MANGANESE. 
Manganese  oxide  compacte,  H.     Compact  grey  oxide  of  Manganese, 
P.     Compact  grey  Manganese,  A.     Compact  oxide  of   Manga- 
nese, C. 

Ext.  Char. — Colors,  dark  steel  grey,  passing  into  iron 
black,  violet  brown,  or  brownish  black  ;  occurs  mas- 
sive, stalactical,  and  botryoidal ;  lustre  a  little  metallic, 
or  dull ;  fracture  conchoidal,  or  uneven  ;  texture  com- 
pact ;  yields  to  the  knife,  but  sometimes  scratches 
glass  ;  soils  the  fingers ;  sp.  gr.  3.70. 

Chem.  Char.  Infusible  alone  ;  with  borax  gives  the  purple  globule. 

Comp.  It  is  an  impure  mineral,  containing  about  60  or  80  per  cent 
of  the  oxide  of  manganese,  20  per  cent  of  iron,  and  often  a  portion  of 
silex,  barytes,  carbon,  &c. 

Var.  3.  EARTHY  OXIDE  OP  MANGANESE. 

Earthy  grey  Manganese  ore,  J.     Earthy  grey  oxide  of  Manganese,  P. 
Earthy  oxide  of  Manganese,  C. 

Ext.  Char. — Colors,  greyish  brown,  and  blackish 
brown ;  occurs  massive,  amorphous  and  botryoidal ; 
texture  and  fracture  earthy ;  more  or  less  friable,  and 
sometimes  pulverulent ;  soils  the  fingers  strongly  ;  sp. 
gr.  2  to  3. 

Comp.  It  sometimes  contains  nearly  one  half  oxide  of  iron,  or  other 
foreign  substances. 

Obs.  This  variety  is  known  to  miners  under  the  name  of  Wad. — 
Jameson  says,  that  when  it  is  dry,  and  mixed  with  one  fourth  of  its 
weight  of  linseed  oil,  and  moderately  heated,  it  inflames. 

Var.  4.  SILVERY  OXIDE  OF  MANGANESE. 
Manganese  oxide  argentin,  H.     Argentine  oxide  of  Manganese,  C. 

Ext.  Char. — Color,  yellowish  white,  or  greyish  yel- 
low ;  occurs  in  delicate  tufts,  or  filaments,  sometimes 
united  into  small  masses,  or  it  is  found  incrusting  other 
minerals,  in  thin  layers ;  lustre  silvery,  hence  the 
name  ;  brittle  ;  crumbles  between  the  fingers. 

Oxide  of  Manganese  is  found  chiefly  in  primitive  rocks,  and  most 
frequently  among  the  ores  of  iron.  It  is  very  extensively  diffused,  and 


254       SILICIOUS  OXIDE,  AND  CARBONATE  OF  MANGANESE. 

is  often  the  coloring  matter  of  other  minerals.  It  however  does  not 
very  often  occur  in  large  quantities  at  a  place. 

Local.  Cornwall,  Devonshire  and  Aberdeen.  In  Germany,  France, 
Siberia,  and  indeed  in  almost  every  country. 

U.  S.  Lawrence  County,  Arkansas  Territory.  Near  Greenburg, 
and  near  Big  Sandy  river,  Ken.  Shenandoah  County,  and  Albemarle 
County,  Virg.  Near  Wilkesbarre  ;  also  near  Lancaster,  and  in  North- 
umberland County,  Pcnn.  Near  Hamburg,  N.  J.  Near  Troy  and 
near  Ancram,  and  on  the  Island  of  New- York.  N.  Y.  Monkton,  Ver. 
crystal ized  and  earthy.  Also  at  Bennington,  from  whence  large  quan- 
tities are  drawn  for  use. — Hall.  Lebanon,  Conn.  Milton,  Lynn,  Deer- 
field,  and  Leverett,  Mass.  Also  at  Dorchester,  Adams,  Richmond 
and  Piainfield,  Mass. 

Species  2.  SILICIOUS  OXIDE  OF  MANGANESE. 
Manganese  oxide  silicifere,  H.     Rhomboidal  red  Manganese,  J.    Si- 
liciferous  oxide  of  Manganese,  P.     White  Manganese,  A.     Silice- 
ous oxide  of  Manganese,  C. 

Ext.  Char. — Colors,  pale  red,  rose  red,  reddish 
brown,  and  yellowish  white ;  occurs  massive,  composed 
of  granular  concretions  ;  also  earthy,  and  it  is  said  in 
lenticular  crystals ;  fracture  conchoidal ;  lustre,  shi- 
ning, or  nearly  dull ;  scratches  glass,  when  compact  ; 
sp.  gr.  3.2. 

Chem.  Char.  Fusible  on  the  edges  ;  with  borax,  gives  a  violet  col- 
ored, translucent  glass. 

Comp.  Oxide  of  manganese  52.6  ;  silex  39.6  ;  oxide  of  iron  4.6  ; 
lime  1.5  ;  volatile  matter,  2.75. — Berzelius. 

Local.  Kapnic,  in  Transylvania,  with  magnetic  oxide  of  iron,  and 
garnets.  Near  Tavistock,  in  Devonshire,  with  the  grey  oxide  of  man- 
ganese. Also  in  Sweden,  Siberia,  &,c. 

U.  S.  Middlebury,  Ver.  Cummington,  Mass. 

Species  3.  CARBONATE  OF  MANGANESE. 
Manganese  oxide  carbonatee,  H.    Carbonate  of  Manganese,  P.  C. 

Ext.  Char. — Colors,  rose  red,  reddish  white,  and 
brownish;  occurs  massive,  composed  of  small  shining 
crystalline  grains,  of  a  foliated  structure;  also  globu- 
lar, and  reniform  ;  yields  a  little  to  the  knife  ;  trans- 
lucent on  the  edges  ;  fracture  conchoidal,  and  splin- 
tery ;  sp.  gr.  3.20. 

It  is  said  also  to  occur  in  lenticular  crystals. 

Chem.  Char  Infusible,  but  becomes  brown  ;  with  borax,  gives  a 
reddish  violet  bead. 

Comp.  Oxide  of  manganese  48  ;  carbonic  acid  49  ;  oxide  of  iron 
2.1 ;  silex  0.9 — Lampidius. 

Local.  Nagyag,  and  Kapnic  in  Transylvania,  in  a  vein  of  native 
auriferous  tellurium. 


SULPHURET  OF  MANGANESE.  255 

Var.  1.  ALLAOITE. 
Allagit.  Leonhard.  Allagite,  P.  M. 

Ext.  Char. — Colors,  brown,  and  green,  changing  by 
exposure,  to  pink  brown,  and  pearl  grey,  and  finally 
to  dark  grey,  and  black ;  scratches  glass  -,  but  does 
not  give  sparks  with  steel. 

Chem.  Char.  The  green  is  fusible,  with  difficulty  into  a  black  pear- 
ly glass  ;  the  brown,  with  borax,  into  a  violet  blue  glass. 

Comp.  Oxide  of  manganese  75 ;  silex  16 ;  carbonic  acid  7.50. — Du~ 
Menil 

Local  The  Hartz,  in  Switzerland. 

Var.  2.  RHODONITE. 

Rhodonit.  Leonhard.  Rhodonite,  P.  M. 
Ext.  Char. — Colors,  red,  rose  red,  pink,  or  yellow- 
ish white ;  occurs  compact,  and  in  fibrous  masses  ; 
fracture  of  the  compact,  splintery;  individuals  of  the 
fibrous  variety,  easily  separable  ;  slightly  translucent ; 
lustre  shining,  scratches  glass,  and  gives  sparks  with 
steel ;  sp.  gr.  3.6. 

Comp.  (The  fibrous)  Protoxide  of  manganese  49.87  ;    silex  39 ; 
carbonic  acid  4 ;  alumineO.12 ;  water  6 ;  oxide  of  iron  0.25. — Brandes. 
Local.  Stahlberg,  in  Switzerland. 

Var.  3.  HORN  MANGAN. 
Horn  Mangan.  Leonhard ',  P. 

Ext.  Char. — Colors,  white,  grey,  and  brown,  of  vari- 
ous shades :  also  greenish  blue  ;  occurs  compact ;  frac- 
ture somewhat  conchoidal,  and  occasionally  splintery  ; 
translucent  on  the  edges ;  lustre  glistening,  but 
becomes  brilliant  on  exposure ;  scratches  glass  faint- 
ly ;  gives  no  sparks  with  steel ;  sp.  gr.  3.  to  3.89. 

Chem.  Char.  Fusible  on  the  edges,  with  phosphorescence  :  With 
borax  yields  a  bead  of  a  hyacinth  red  color. 

Comp.  Protoxide  of  manganese  54.58 ;  silex  34  ;  carbonic  acid  8 ; 
water  2  ;  oxide  of  iron  0.5. — Brandes. 

Local  It  occurs  with  the  above  varieties. 

Species  3.  SULPHURET  OF  MANGANESE. 

Manganese  sulfure,  H.     Sulphuret  of  Manganese,  A.  P.  C.     Pris- 
matic Manganese-Blende,  J.     Hexahedral  Glance-Blende,  M. 

Ext.  Char. — Color,  of  the  fresh  fracture,  steel  grey, 
but  becomes  brownish  black,  by  exposure;  occurs 
massive,  reniform,  and  botryoidal ;  lustre  shining,  me- 


256  PHOSPHATE,  AND  CUPREOUS  MANGANESE. 

tallic ;  texture  fine  grained,  or  sometimes  foliated  ;  frac- 
ture uneven ;  yields  to  the  knife  ;  opake  ;  sp.  gr.  3.95. 

Chem.  Char.  Infusible  alone,  but  dissolves  with  borax,  giving  a  vio- 
let blue  glass.  With  nitrous  acid,  its  powder  yields  sulphuretted 
hydrogen. 

Comp.  Manganese  slightly  oxidated  85 ;  sulphur  15. — Vauquelin. 

Local.  Nagyag,  in  Transylvania,  with  tellurium,  blende,  and  the 
other  ores  of  manganese.  Also  in  Cornwall. 

Species  4.  PHOSPHATE  OF  MANGANESE. 

Manganese  phosphate  ferrifere,  H.     Phosphate  of  Manganese3  A.  P. 

C.J.  M. 

Ext.  Char. — Colors,  reddish,  or  blackish  brown  : 
powder  brown,  or  reddish ;  occurs  massive ;  structure 
lamellar  ;  fracture  uneven  ;  translucent  on  the  edges  ; 
lustre  resinous,  and  somewhat  chatoyant ;  mechanical 
division,  tends  to  a  rectangular  prism ;  scratches  glass ; 
brittle  5  sp.  gr.  3.4.  to  3.95 . 

Chem.  Char.  Fusible,  with  intumescence  into  a  black  enamel., 
which  is  magnetic  ;  soluble  in  nitric  acid,  without  effervescence. 

Comp.  Protoxide  of  manganese  32.6  ;  phosphoric  acid  32.8  ;  pro- 
toxide of  iron  31.9  ;  phosphate  of  lime  3.2. — Berzelius. 

Local  Limoges  in  France,  in  a  coarse  grained  granite.  It  is  said 
also  to  occur  in  Pennsylvania  and  Massachusetts. 

Species  5.    CUPREOUS  MANGANESE. 

Cupreous  Manganese,  J.  M. 

Ext.  Char. — Color,  bluish  black,  streak  unchanged : 
occurs  massive,  reniform,  and  in  botryoidal  groups  : 
texture  compact ;  fracture  imperfect  conchoidal ;  lus- 
tre resinous ;  opake  ;  not  very  brittle ;  yields  to  the 
knife  ;  sp.  gr.  3.19  to  3.21. 

Chem.  Char.  Becomes  brown,  but  is  infusible  alone.,  To  borax 
and  salt  of  phosphorus,  gives  a  mixture  of  purple  and  green  colors. 

Comp.  Black  oxide  of  manganese  82 ;  brown  oxide  of  copper  13.50. 
— Lampidius. 

Local.  In  the  tin  mines  of  Schlaggenwald,  in  Bohemia. 

Genus  15.  MOLYBDENA. 

The  pure  metal,  which  is  obtained  with  great  difficulty,  is  of  a  white 
color,  tinged  with  yellow.  On  exposure  to  the  air,  it  soon  oxidates, 
but  remains  unaltered  under  water ;  on  exposure  to  continued  heat, 
it  is  converted  into  a  white  oxide.  By  the  action  of  sulphuric  and  ni- 
tric acid,  it  is  converted  into  Molybdic  acid,  which  has  the  form  of  a 
yellowish  white  powder.  Sp.  gr.  of  the  pure  metal  8.6. 


SULPHURET,  AND  OXIDE  OF  MO^YBDENA.  257 

The,  ores  of  this  metal  are  few,  and  though  not  uncommon,  they  rare- 
lif  occur  in  any  considerable  quantities. 

Species  1.  SULPHURET  OF  MOLYBDENA. 
Molybdene  sulfure,  H.     Sulphuretof  Molybdena,  P.  C. 

Ext.  Char. — Color,  nearly  that  of  fresh  cut,  metallic 
lead;  occurs  massive,  or  crystallized,  in  short  hexahe- 
dral  prisms  ;  structure  lamellar,  or  foliated;  cleavage 
perfect  in  one  direction;  lustre  brilliant,  and  not  sub- 
ject to  tarnish  ;  folia  easily  separable,  and  somewhat 
flexible;  unctuous  to  the  touch;  leaves  a  metallic 
streak  on  paper;  opake;  sp.  gr.  4,5  to  4.7;  often  ap- 
pears, in  spots,  or  dots,  in  other  minerals,  as  in  lime- 
stone. 

Chem.  Char.  Infusible,  but  sometimes  gives  out  the  odor  of  sul- 
jihur,  and  if  the  heat  be  urged,  emits  white  fumes.  Soluble  with  ef- 
fervescence in  carbonate  of  soda.  It  is  converted  into  molybdic  acid 
by  the  action  of  nitric  acid. 

Comp.  Molybdena  60;  sulphur  40. — Bucholz. 

Dist  Char.  It  resembles  plumbago,  but  may  be  readily,  and  cer- 
tainly distinguished  from  it,  by  the  blowpipe  with  borax.  The  mo- 
lybdena,  in  small  scales  will  adhere  to  the  surface  of  the  globule  of 
fused  borax,  without  any  change  ;  but  the  plumbago,  dissolves,  or  sep- 
arates into  minute  particles,  coating  the  surface  of  the  borax,  with 
a  lead  grey  crust.  Micaceous  iron  becomes  magnetic  before  the 
blowpipe,  which  will  always  distinguish  it  from  molybdena 

This  mineral  belongs  to  primitive  rocks,  as  granite,  gneiss,  and 
primitive  limestone. 

Local.  Near  Mont  Blanc.  Near  Norberg,  in  Sweden,  in  a  white 
steatite.  Abo,  in  Finland,  with  hornblende.  Chessy,  in  France,  in 
scienite.  Cornwall,  with  tin  and  copper.  Cumberland,  with  apa- 
tite, and  iron  ore. 

U.  S.  Chester  County,  and  Delaware  County,  Penn.  Near  Bal- 
timore, in  granite.  Near  Philadelphia,  in  gneiss.  On  the  Island  of 
New  York,  and  in  the  Highlands,  N.  Y.  Also  in  West  Chester,  and 
Putnam  Counties,  and  at  Crownpoint.  East  Haddam,  Say  brook,  and 
Brookfield,  Conn.  Shaftsbury,  Mass,  in  six-sided  tables  or  plates. — 
Silliman.  Also  at  Brimfield.  Brunswick,  Maine,  in  six-sided  tables, 
and  in  foliated  masses — Cleveland. 

Species  2.  OXIDE  OF  MOLYBDENA. 
Molybdena  ochre,  J.      Oxide  of  Molybdena,  P.  C. 
Ext.  Char. — Color,  straw,  or  sulphur  yellow ;  occurs 
pulverulent,  and  in  friable  crusts. 

Chem.  Char.  When  heated,  by  the  compound  blowpipe,  a  snow- 
white  oxide  is  sublimed. — Cleveland. 
33 


258  NATIVE  ANTIMONY. 

Obs.  It  has  not  been  analyzed,  but  according  to  the  observation  of 
Berzelius,  it  behaves  under  the  blowpipe,  like  pure  molybdic  acid. 

Local.  Nummedalen,  in  Norway,  on  sulphuret  of  molybdena.  And 
at  Coryburg,  in  Scotland. 

U.  S.  Brunswick,  in  Maine,  with  sulphuret  of  molybdena. 

Genus  16— ANTIMONY. 

Color  of  the  pure  metal,  white  ;  occurs  in  foliated  or  lamellar  mass- 
es, the  lamellae  being  placed  in  irregular  directions,  often  with 
broad  shining  faces,  sometimes  curved  ;  brittle,  and  easily  reduced  to 
a  powder  ;  melting  point,  800  deg.  Fah.  and  at  a  higher  heat,  evapo- 
rates in  form  of  a  grey  smoke  ;  soluble  in  the  acids  ;  sp.  gr.  6.8. 

Uses.  It  enters  into  the  composition  of  printing  types,  of  speculum 
metal,  of  Britannia  ware,  &c.  In  medicine  it  is  universally  employed, 
when  united  to  tartaric  acid,  under  the  name  of  tartar  emetic. 

Its  ores  are  few,  and  its  localities  not  very  numerous. 

Species  1.  NATIVE  ANTIMONY. 

Antimoine  natif,  H.    Dodecahedral  Antimony,  J.    Native  Antimony, 
A.  P.  C.     Rhombohedral  Antimony,  M. 

Ext.  Char. — Color,  tin  white,  but  on  exposure,  be- 
comes yellowish,  or  brownish ;  occurs  reniform,  amor- 
phous, and  in  thin  plates ;  also  crystallized  in  octohe- 
drons,  and  dodecahedrons  ;  lustre  brilliant ;  structure 
lamellar ;  cleavage  easily  effected,  in  certain  direc- 
tions ;  brittle ;  sp.  gr.  6.7. 

Chem.  Char.  Easily  fusible  with  a  grey  inodorous  vapor.  With 
borax,  it  separates  into  small  individual  globules,  and  continues  to 
emit  white  fumes  from  its  own  combustion,  after  the  heat  is  removed  ; 
on  cooling,  the  globule  becomes  covered  with  minute  crystals  of  the 
oxide  of  antimony. 

Comp.  Antimony  98  ;  silver  1 ;  iron  0.25. — Klaproth. 

Obs.  It  often  contains  a  little  arsenic,  and  some  specimens  leave 
a  small  globule  of  silver  on  the  charcoal,  after  the  antimony  has  es- 
caped. 

Dist.  Char.  It  resembles  antimonial  silver,  but  this  always  yields 
a  globule  of  silver,  under  the  blowpipe.  The  sulphuret  of  antimony, 
gives  the  odor  of  sulphur,  which  the  native  does  not.  It  may  also  be 
taken  for  arsenical  iron,  and  native  bismuth.  But  the  first  emits  the 
arsenical  odor,  and  leaves  a  magnetic  globule,  and  the  bismuth  has  n 
tinge  of  copper-red.  «  jRft* 

It  is  found  in  primitive  rocks,  and  is  a  rare  ore. 

Local  Sahlberg,  in  Sweden.  Dauphiny,  in  France.  Andreas- 
berg,  in  the  Hartz.  Allemont,  near  Grenoble. 

U.  S.  Harwinton.  Conn,  in  broad  plates,  associated  with  sulphurei 
of  antimony. — Silliman. 

^%«m  -«1iJ;j*J«i   ;  y*in  ^;la*?, ;,  :>  Drill    - 1  8 


SULPHURET  OF  ANTIMONY.  259 

Species  2.  SULPHURET  OF  ANTIMONY. 

Antimoine  sulfure,  H.     Prismatic  Antimony-Glance,  J.     Sulphuret  of 

Antimony,  A.  P.  C.      Prismatoidal  Antimony-Glance,  M. 

Ext.  Char. — Color,  lead  grey,  passing  into  steel  grey; 
streak  unchanged ;  often  irridescent,  from  external 
tarnish ;  occurs  massive,  composed  of  delicate  threads, 
or  needles,  closely  aggregated,  and  sometimes  so  fine 
as  to  resemble  wool  :  also,  crystallized  in  rhombic 
prisms,  variously  modified,  and  variously  terminated  ; 
lustre  splendent ;  fracture,  and  texture  fibrous ;  yields 
to  the  knife  ;  brittle,  and  easily  reduced  to  powder; 
sp.  gr.  4  to  4.80. 

Chem.  Char.  Melts  in  a  candle.  Before  the  blowpipe,  emits  the  odor 
of  sulphur,  and  is  mostly  volatalized,  in  the  form  of  a  white  smoke. 

Comp.  Antimony  74  ;  sulphur  26. — Bergman. 

Dist.  Char.  The  easy  fusibility  of  this  species,  will  easily  distin- 
guish it  from  the  minerals  it  most  resembles,  particularly,  from  the 
oxide  of  manganese.  It  differs  from  native  antimony,  in  emitting  the 
sulphureous  odor  when  heated,  and  in  being  of  a  darker  color. 

Var.   1.    RADIATED  SULPHURET  OP  ANTIMONY. 

Antimoine  sulfure  aciculaire,  H.   Acicular  Sulphuret  of  Antimony,  P. 
Radiated  Sulphuret  of  Antimony,  C. 

Ext.  Char. — Color,  lead  grey,  passing  into  steel  grey "; 
occurs  in  masses,  composed  of  acicular,  compressed, 
cylindrical  crystals,  radiating  from  a  centre,  or  inter- 
secting each  other,  in  various  directions  ;  longitudin- 
al fracture,  fibrous  ;  lustre  of  the  faces  very  brilliant. 

O6s.  This  variety  is  much  more  common  than  the  above. 
Var.  2.  PLUMOSE  SULPHURET  op  ANTIMONY. 

Antimoine  sulfure  capillaire,  H.     Plumoze  Sulphuret  of  Antimony, 

P.  C. 

Ext.  Char. — Color,  dark  steel  grey,  or  lead  grey,  of- 
ten tarnished  purple,  or  blue  ;  occurs  in  very  minute 
capillary  crystals,  investing  the  surfaces  of  other  min- 
erals, giving  them  a  feathery,  or  downy  appearance  ; 
brittle ;  soft ;  opake, 

Chem.  Char.  Fusible,  with  a  white  vapor,  mto  a  black  slag. 
Local.  Huel  Boys  mine,  in  Cornwall.     It  is  rare. 

Var.  3.  COMPACT   SULPHURET  OP  ANTIMONY. 
Antimoine  sulfure  compact,  H.      Sulphuret  of  Antimony,  P.  C. 
Ext.  Char. — Color,  light  lead  grey  ;  fracture  uneven} 
texture  fine  grained;  lustre  glimmering ;  occurs  mass- 


260  SULPHURETTED  OXIDE  OF  ANTIMONY. 

ive,  and  disseminated  ;  brittle ;  yields  to   the  knife  j 
sp  gr.  4.3. 

Dist  Char  Easily  distinguished  from  the  steel -grained  sulphu- 
ret  of  lead,  by  the  white  fumes  it  emits  under  the  blowpipe. 

It  is  a  rare  variety. 

Sulphuret  ot  antimony,  is  the  ore,  from  which  the  antimony  of 
commerce  is  obtained.  It  is  found  in  primitive  and  secondary  rocks, 
associated  with  the  sulphurets  of  lead,  and  zinc,  and  with  ores  of 
iron,  copper,  and  arsenic. 

Local.  Andreasberg,  in  the  Hartz.  Friberg,  in  Saxony.  Schem- 
nitz,  in  Hungary.  Nagyag,  in  Transylvania.  Mexico.  England. 
Scotland.  Ireland.  Spain,  &c. 

U.  S.  Near  Richmond,  in  Virg.  Near  Zanesville,  Ohio.  Har- 
winton,  Conn,  with  native  antimony.  Near  South  Hadley,  Mass, 
On  Saco  river,  Maine. 

Var.    4.    NICKELIFEROUS   GREY  ANTIMONY. 

Antimoine  sulfurt  nickelifere.  II.     Nickeliferous  Sulphuret  of  Anti- 
mony, C. 

Ext.  Char. — Color,  steel  grey,  inclining  to  silver 
white  ;  occurs  in  compact,  or  in  broad  plates  ;  cleavage, 
parallel  to  the  planes  of  the  hexahedron,  perfect;  lus- 
tre metallic;  brittle;  sp.  gr.  6.56. 

Chem.  Char.  .  It  is  partly  volatalized  before  the  blowpipe,  during 
which  the  supporting  charcoal  is  covered  with  a  white  coating ;  at  last 
it  melts  into  a  metallic  globule,  which  communicates  a  blue  color  to 
the  glass  of  borax. — Mohs. 

Comp.  Antimony  43.80;  sulphur  17.71 ;  nickel  36.60;  iron  and 
manganese  1.89. — St  omeyer. 

Local  Near  Treusburg,  in  Nassau,  with  galena,  and  copper. 

Obs.  Sulphuret  of  antimony,  sometimes  contains  various  propor- 
tions of  silver,  or  copper.  One  variety,  found  in  the  Pyrenees,  is  said 
to  contain  20  per  cent  of  copper. 

Species  3.  SULPHURETTED  OXIDE  OF  ANTIMONY. 

Antimoine  oxide  sulfure,  H.     Red  Antimony,  J.  A.  P.      Prismatic 
Purple-Blende,  M.     Sulphuretted  oxide  of  Antimony,  C. 

Ext.  Char. — Color,  cherry  red,  or  brownish  red,  streak 
unchanged;  surface,  often  irridescent,  from  tarnish; 
occurs  in  acicular  prisms,  radiating,  or  interlacing ; 
feebly  translucent;  also,  occurs  massive,  with  a  fi- 
brous, or  granular  structure ;  lustre  metallic  adaman- 
tine ;  brittle  ;  sp.  gr.  4  to  4.6. 

Chem.  Char.  Melts  easily,  and  is  entirely  volatalized,  by  continuing 
the  heat.  In  nitric  acid,  it  becomes  covered  with  a  white  coating, 
but  does  not  entirely  dissolve. 


OXIDE  OF  ANTIMONY.       OXIDE  OF  CHROME.  261 

Comp.  Antimony  67.50;  oxygen  10.80;  sulphur  19.70. — Kla- 
proth. 

Obs.  It  occurs  with  the  sulphuret  of  antimony,  which  has  indu- 
ced a  belief,  that  it  arises  from  the  decomposition  of  that  ore. 

Dist .  Char.  Cinnibar  is  of  a  deeper,  or  scarlet-reti  color,  and  is 
volatalized  with  a  blue  flame.  Red  oxide  of  copper,  leaves  a  globule 
of  the  metal  on  the  charcoal,  and  the  red  oxide  of  tin  is  infusible. 

Local.  Kapnic,  in  Transylvania.  Allemont,  in  France.  Hunga- 
ry. Saxony.  Tuscany,  &/c. 

U.  S.  Mear  Leesburg,  Vir.  in  detached  masses,  in  the  soil ;  it 
has  a  deep  ruby  color. — Hayden. 

Species  4.    OXIDE  OF  ANTIMONY. 

Antimoine  oxyde,  H.     Oxide  of  Antimony,   A.   P.  C.      Prismatic 
White  Antimony,  J.     Prismatic  Antimony-Baryte,  JML 

Ext.  Char. — Colors,  white,  yellowish  white,  or  grey- 
ish, occurs  massive,  in  acicular  prisms,  and  in  tabular 
crystals ;  crystals  commonly  occur  in  radiated,  or  facic- 
ular  groups  ;  structure  foliated,  or  fibrous  ;  translucent ; 
lustre,  shining  pearly ;  sp.  gr.  about  5. 

Chem.  Char.  Fusible,  with  ease,  and  volatile  by  the  heat ;  but  it  is 
sometimes  volatile  without  fusion. 

Comp.  Oxide  of  antimony  86 ;  oxide  of  iron  3  ;  silex  8. —  Van- 
qutlin 

Dist.  Char.  Its  volatility  and  weight,  will  distinguish  it  from  zeo- 
lite and  stilbite.  Carbonate  of  lead,  is  not  volatile  by  the  blowpipe. 

It  is  found  with  the  other  ores  of  antimony. 

Local  Malazka,  in  Bohemia.     Allemont,  in  France,  &c. 

Genus  17.— CHROME. 

Color  of  the  pure  metal,  between  tin  white,  and  steel  grey.  It  is 
obtained  from  the  native  chromate  of  iron,  with  difficulty,  and  only  in 
small  quantities ;  when  this  metal  is  oxidated  to  its  fullest  extent,  it 
constitutes  chromic  acid,  a  crystalline  salt  of  a  beautiful  aurora  red 
color.  The  metal  has  a  radiated,  crystalline  texture,  and  is  hard,  and 
brittle,  sp.  gr.  about  6. 

Uses.  The  oxides  of  chrome,  or  chromic  acid,  form  very  beautiful, 
and  useful  colors,  when  combined  with  other  metals,  as  iron,  cobalt, 
lead,  or  mercury.  Green,  yellow,  and  red  colors,  are  produced  in  this 
way,  and  are  employed  as  pigments,  and  for  the  coloring  of  porce- 
lain ware.  The  emerald,  actinolite,  and  several  other  green  miner- 
als, owe  their  colors  to  oxide  of  chrome. 

Species  1.  OXIDE  OF  CHROME. 
Oxide  of  Chrome,  Mac  Cuttoch,  P.  C. 

Ext.  Char. — Colors,  bright  grass  green,  and  pale  yel- 
low ;  occurs  pulverulent,  or  compact;  translucent. 


262  NATIVE  AfcSENlG. 

when  compact,  and  of  a  green  color,  bearing  the  marks 
of  crystalline  structure  ;  lustre,  and  appearance,  like 
that  of  compact  crystalline  limestone. 

Chem.  Char.  The  green,  changes  to  yellow,  by  heat.  Gives  a 
green  color  to  borax,  and  also  to  boiling  alkali ;  but  the  color  is  pre- 
cipitated by  further  boiling. 

Local  Unst,  one  of  the  Shetland  Isles,  where  it  fills  the  cavities  of 
the  chromate  of  iron. — Mac  Culloch. 

Genus  18.— ARSENIC. 

Color  of  the  metal,  bluish  white,  like  that  of  steel ;  lustre  brilliant; 
brittle  ;  soft  ;  may  be  reduced  to  powder,  in  a  mortar  ;  when  heated 
it  emits  the  odour  of  garlic,  and  flies  off  in  white  fumes  ;  sublimes 
without  melting  ;  oxidates,  and  turns  dark,  on  exposure,  but  retains 
its  brilliancy  for  years,  if  closely  sealed  in  a  glass  tube  ;  Sp.  gr.  5.7. 

Uses.  It  enters  into  the  composition  of  some  metallic  alloys,  and  its 
oxides  are  employed  in  the  preparation  of  certain  paints ;  in  the  color- 
ing of  glass,  and  in  medicine,  it  is  used  under  the  name  of  Fowler's 
Solution  It  is  a  violent  poison,  in  all  its  modes  of  existence,  except 
in  that  of  a  pure  metal. 

O65.  No  mines  are  wrought  for  the  purpose  of  obtaining  this  metal. 
That  used  in  commerce,  which  is  the  white  oxide,  is  chiefly  scraped, 
by  condemned  criminals,  from  the  long  chimnies  of  the  cobalt  smelt- 
ing furnaces  in  Saxony. 

Species  I.  NATIVE  ARSENIC. 
Arsenic  natif,  H.     Native  Arsenic,  A.  P.C. 

Ext.  Char. — Color,  tin  white,  inclining  to  steel  grey, 
or  lead  grey  ;  externally,  tarnished  nearly  black ;  oc- 
curs reniform,  botryoidal,  in  plates,  and  in  concre- 
tions ;  fracture  uneven ;  structure  imperfectly  foliated ; 
or  sometimes,  concentric  lamellar,  and  sometimes, 
with  impressions  of  crystals ;  yields  to  the  knife ;  brit- 
tle ;  lustre  metallic ;  sp.  gr.  5.7. 

Chem.  Char.  Burns  with  a  blue  flame,  yielding  a  dense  white  smoke, 
attended  with  the  odor  of  garlic,  and  leaves  on  the  charcoal,  a  minute 
portion  of  iron,  silver,  or  gold. 

Dist .  Char.  From  other  native  metals,  it  may  readily  be  distinguish- 
ed,  by  its  beginning  to  evaporate  before  it  melts.  Arsenical  pyrites 
leaves  a  magnetic  globule ;  and  arsenical  antimonial  silver,  leaves  a 
silver  globule,  both  of  which  will  shew  that  they  are  not  the  present 
species. 

It  occurs  chiefly  in  primitive  rocks,  with  the  ores  of  cobalt,  silver, 
copper,  &c. 


OXIDE,  AND  SULPHURET  OP  ARSENIC.  263 

Local  Konigsberg  in  Norway,  In  the  Hartz.  Bohemia.  France. 
England,  &c. 

U.  S.  Martha's  vineyard. 

Species  2.    OXIDE  OF  ARSENIC. 

Arsenic  oxide,  H.     Oxide  of  Arsenic,  J.  P.  C.     Octohedral  Arsenic 

Acid,  M. 

Ext.  Char. — Color,  snow  white,  or  yellowish,  reddish, 
or  greenish  white  ;  occurs  earthy,  capillary,  and  in- 
vesting; also  crystallized  in  octohedrons,  and  in  quad- 
rangular tables  5  cleavage  parallel  to  the  planes  of  the 
octohedron;  lustre  vitreous;  texture  fibrous,  or  gran- 
ular ;  crystals  often  minute,  and  delicate ;  translucent ; 
opake. 

Chem.  Char.  Gives  out  the  smell  of  garlic,  and  finally  evaporates.— 
Soluble  in  about  80  parts  of  water. 

Dist.  Char.  Its  solubility  in  water  will  distinguish  it  from  pharma- 
colite,  and  other  minerals  which  it  resembles. 

Local.  Andreasberg  in  the  Hartz,  with  the  ores  of  arsenic  and  lead , 
also  in  the  Pyrenees. 

Obs.  This  is  a  very  rare  mineral,  and  perhaps,  with  the  exception 
of  the  carbonate  of  barytes,  which  is  also  rare,  the  only  instance,  where 
nature  has  furnished,  ready  prepared,  a  violent  poison  in  the  mineral 
kingdom. 

Species  3.     SULPHURET  OF  ARSENIC. 
Arsenic  sulfure,  H.     Sulphuret  of  Arsenic,  P.  C. 
Of  this  species,  there  are  two  varieties,  which  differ  chiefly  in  respect 
to  color.     They  are  both  composed  of  metallic  arsenic,    and  sulphur, 
though  probably  in  different  proportions. 

Var.  1.  RED  SULPHURET  OP  ARSENIC. 

Realgar  Kirwan,  P.  Arsenic  sulfure   rouge,  H.     Red  Orpiment,  J, 
Realger,  P.  C.     Hemi  Prismatic  Sulphur,  M. 

Ext.  Char. — Color,  aurora  red,  scarlet,  or  blood  red ; 
occurs  amorphous,  in  concretions,  and  in  flakes,  or 
Crusts ;  also  crystallized  in  the  form  of  a  four-sided 
prisin,  with  the  terminal  planes  set  obliquely  on  the 
lateral  planes,  and  in  six-sided  prisms,  both  forms  be- 
ing subject  to  a  variety  of  modifications,  from  trunca- 
tion, and  bevelment ;  lustre  shining,  vitreous,  or  waxy  ; 
streak,  lemon  yellow  ;  fracture  of  the  compact,  con- 
choidal ;  semi-transparent,  or  opake ;  soft ;  often 
yields  to  the  nail ;  brittle ;  sp.  gr.  3.30  ;  becomes  elec- 
tric, bv  friction. 


264  SULPHURET  OF  ARSENIC. 

Chem.  Char.  Melts  easily,  and  burns  with  a  blue  flame,  and  white 
smoke,  attended  with  the  odors  of  sulphur  and  garlic.  In  nitric  acid, 
it  becomes  whitish. 

Comp.   Arsenic  69;    sulphur  31. — Klaproth. 

Dist.  Char.  Its  color  resembles  that  of  chromate  of  lead,  but  the 
chromate  is  much  heavier,  and  tinges  borax  green.  The  red  ores  of 
silver  and  mercury  give  a  red  streak,  and  seldom  give  the  odor  of  ar- 
senic, like  the  present  variety.  They  are  also  heavier  than  the  present 
species. 

Uses.  It  is  employed  as  a  paint,  and  the  Chinese  form  vessels,  and 
images  of  it. 

Var.  2.  YELLOW  SULPHURET  OP  ARSENIC. 

Arsenic  sulfure  jaune,  H.     Orpiment,  A.  P.  C.     Yellow  Orpiment 
or  Prismatoidal  Sulphur,  J.     Prismatoidal  Sulphur,  M. 

Ext.  Char. — Color,  lemon,  or  golden  yellow  ;  occurs 
reniform,  disseminated,  and  in  plates  ;  also,  it  is  said, 
in  minute  crystals  ;  lustre  shining,  sometimes  brilliant, 
and  metallic;  structure  foliated,  or  laminated,  the 
laminae  often  curved,  and  easily  separable,  like  those 
of  mica ;  flexible,  but  not  elastic ;  translucent ;  by  fric- 
tion, acquires  negative  electricity ;  sp.  gr.  3.4. 

Chem.  Char.  Burns,  emitting  the  fumes  of  sulphur  and  arsenic. 

Comp.  Arsenic  57;  sulphur  43. —  Thenard. 

Dist. Char.  It  most  resembles  yellow  mica,  but  the  layers  of  mica 
are  flexible  and  elastic ;  those  of  orpiment  being  easily  broken.  Mi- 
ca also  gives  no  fumes  when  heated.  Native  sulphur  has  not  a  folia- 
ted structure,  like  orpiment,  and  is  not  so  heavy. 

Uses.  Orpiment  is  employed  as  a  paint,  but  for  this  purpose  it  is 
mostly  prepared  by  art. 

Both  varieties  are  found,  chiefly  in  secondary,  but  sometimes  in 
primitive  rocks.  Sometimes  realger  occurs  among  the  products  of 
volcanoes. 

Local.  Realgar  is  found  in  the  Hartz,  in  the  mines  of  Saxony,  Bo- 
hemia, and  Hungary,  and  on  the  North  West  coast  of  America.  Al- 
so, among  the  volcanic  matter  of  Etna,  Vesuvius  and  Guadaloupe. 

Orpiment  is  also  found  in  Suabia,  in  Piedmont,  at  Moldavia  in 
Hungary,  in  China  and  in  Nova  Scotia,  in  America. 

Genus  19.  COLUMBIUM.* 

Columbium,  in  the  purest  state,  in  which  it  has  been  obtained,  is  a 
metal  of  a  dark  iron  grey  color,  which;  when  rubbed  against  a  fine 
whetstone,  or  is  scratched  with  a  knife,  puts  on  the  metallic  lustre.  It 
scratches  glass,  is  brittle,  and  is  not  acted  on  by  any  of  the  acids,  or 
by  any  mixture  of  them  :  sp.  gr.  6. 

*From  its  being  first  discovered  in  America. 


FERRUGINOUS,  AND  ITTRIOUS  OXIDE  OF  COLUMBIUM.      265 

The  ores  of  Columbium  are  few,  and  occur  but  rarely,  and  in  small 
quantities. 

Species  1.    FERRUGINOUS  OXIDE  OF  COLUMBIUM. 
Tantale  oxyde  ferro-manganesifere,  H.     Prismatic  Tantalium-ore,  M. 

J.  Columbite,  P.  Ferruginous  oxide  of  Columbium,  C. 
Ext.  Char. — Colors,  greyish,  and  brownish,  or  bluish 
black  ;  occurs  amorphous,  and  in  small  crystalline 
masses,  the  forms  of  which  are  imperfect,  four,  and  six- 
sided  prisms,  sometimes  flattened,  and  variously  modi- 
fied by  truncation;  structure  imperfectly  foliated; 
brittle ;  lustre  a  little  shining,  but  not  metallic ;  opake; 
sp.  gr.  6  to  7. 

Chem,  Char.  Infusible,  and  suffers  no  change  by  the  blowpipe 
alone.  Partly  soluble  in  heated  sulphuric  acid,  (Mohs.)  If  fused 
with  potash,  mixed  with  a  little  borax,  the  mass  spreads  on  the  char- 
coal, and  passes  from  a  brownish  to  a  greenish  color.  With  borax  it 
dissolves  with  difficulty,  and  forms  a  bottle  green  glass. 

Comp.  (From  New-London)  Oxide  of  columbium  87  ;  oxide  of 
iron  21. — Hatchett. 

(From  Sweden)  Oxide  of  columbium  85  ;  oxide  of  iron  12  ;  oxide 
of  manganese  8. —  Vauquelin. 

Obs.  Columbium  was  first  discovered  by  Mr.  Hatchett  in  a  speci- 
men ofunexamined  ore,  said  to  have  been  sent  from  Gov.  Winthrop, 
of  Connecticut,  to  Sir  Hans  Sloane.  It  was  deposited  in  the  British 
Museum,  and  analysed  by  Mr.  Hatchett  in  1801,  who  found  that  it 
was  the  ore  of  a  new  metal,  to  which  he  gave  the  name  of  Columbium 
in  honor  of  this  country. 

2.  After  the  discovery  of  Mr. Hatchett.  Mr.  Ekeberg.a  Swedish  chem- 
ist, discovered  the  oxide  of  a  new  metal,  in  a  specimen  of  ore,  from 
Findland,  and  to  which  he  gave  the  name  of  Tantalum.  The  ore  it- 
self he  called  Tantalite. 

3.  In  the  year  1809,  Dr.  Wollaston,  having  obtained  specimens  of 
the  ores  of  the  two  new  metals  from  America,  and  from  Finland,  dis- 
covered that  they  differed,  only  in  respect  to  localities,  and  that  they 
were  ores  of  the  same  metal. 

Local.  Kemito,  in  Finland.  Bodenmais,  in  Bavaria. 

U.  S.  New-London  and  Haddam,  Ct.  At  Haddam,  it  is  embed- 
cd  in  granite,  with  garnet,  chrysoberyl,  and  beryl. — Silliman.  War- 
wick, AT.  Y — Robinson. 

Species  2.    ITTRIOUS  OXIDE  OF  COLUMBIUM. 

Tantale  oxide  yttrifere,  H.    Yttro-Columbite,  P.     Yttro-Tantalite,  J. 

M.     Yttrious  oxide  of  Columbium,  C. 

Ext.  Char. — Colors,  iron  black,  yellowish  brown, 
and  blackish  brown  ;  powder  paler ;  occurs  in  grains, 
in  small  masses,  and  in  thin  plates ;  it  is  said  also  to 

34 


266  ITTRIOUS  OXIDE  OF  COLUMBIUM' 

occur  in  rhombic   prisms  ;    lustre   shining,  metallic  ; 
opake  ;  scratches  glass  a  little  ;  sp  gr.  5,8  to  5.3. 


.  1.    BLACK  TTTRIOUS  OXIDE  OP  COLUMBIUM. 

Black  Yttro-tantalite,  M. 

Ext.  Char.  —  Color,  black,  occurs  disseminated,  and 
in  grains,  seldom  of  the  size  of  a  hazlenut  ;  traces  of 
crystallization  indistinct  ;  fracture  lamellar,  in  one  di- 
rection, and  coarse  granular,  in  another  ;  lustre  imper- 
fect, metallic  ;  opake  ;  streak  grey  ;  brittle  ;  scratches 
glass;  sp.  gr.  5.3. 

Var.  2.   YELLOW  ITTRIOUS  OXIDE  OP  COLUMBIUM. 

Yellow  Yttro-tantalite,  M. 

Ext.  Char.  —  Color,  yellowish  brown,  sometimes  with 
green  spots,  or  stripes  ;  streak  white  ;  occurs  between 
felspar,  in  a  state  of  laminae,  seldom  in  grains,  not  ex- 
ceeding the  size  of  a  pepper  corn  ;  longitudinal  frac- 
ture foliated;  cross  fracture,  fine  grained;  lustre  resi- 
nous, on  the  surface,  vitreous,  on  the  fracture;  no 
trace  of  crystallization  ;  distinctly  scratched  by  glass; 
sp-  gr.  5.8. 

Chem.  Char.  Infusible  alone  ;  with  borax,  both  varieties  are  fusible 
into  a  yellowish  glass.  The  black,  froths  and  melts  with  soda,  the 
yellow  not.  They  are  not  acted  upon  by  acids. 

Comp.  (Black)  Oxide  of  columbium  57  ;  ittria  20.25  ;  lime  6.25; 
oxide  of  uranium  0.50;  tungstic  acid  and  tin  8.25;  oxide  of  iron 
3.50.  —  Berzelius. 

(Yellow)  oxide  of  columbium  59  50  ;  ittria  24.90  ;  lime  3.29  ;  ox- 
ide of  uranium  8  23  ;  tungstic  acid  and  tin,  1.25  ;  oxide  of  iron,  2.72, 
Berzelius. 

Local  These  varieties  are  found  at  Ytterby  in  Sweden,  imbedded 
in  felspar.  Also  at  Abo,  and  in  Greenland. 

Genus  29.—  -CERIUM.* 

The  characters  of  this  substance,  as  a  pure  metal,  are  little  known. 
The  chemists  have  demonstrated,  that  such  a  metal  exists,  but  its  re- 
fractory nature  is  such,  as  to  defy  every  means,  heretofore  used,  to 
reduce  it  to  the  state  of  a  pure  metal. 

Its  ores  are  various,  but  most  of  them  are  rare,  anS  have  been  found 
in  only  small  quantities. 

*  Fro»  the  planet  Ceres. 


SILICIOUS  OXIDE  OF  CERIUM.       ALLANITE.  267 

Species  1.     SILICIOUS  OXIDE  OF  CERIUM. 
Cerium    oxyde   sihcifere,   H.     Cerite,  A.  P.     Indivisible  Cerium- 
Ore,  J.     Uncleavable  Cerium-Ore,  M. 

Ext.  Char. — Colors,  rose  red,  brownish  red,  and 
flesh  red,  passing  into  grey  ;  streak  nearly  white;  oc- 
curs massive,  and  disseminated  ;  fracture  compact; 
splintery  ;  translucent,  or  opake  ;  brittle  ;  texture  gran- 
ular; lustre  shining  ;  scratches  glass;  yields  with  dif- 
ficulty to  the  knife ;  sp.  gr.  4.9. 

Chcm  Char.  Infusible  alone  ;  with  borax,  dissolves  into  an  orange 
colored  globule,  which  grows  pale  on  cooling. 

Comp.  Oxide  of  cerium  68  59  ;  silex  18  ;  oxide  of  iron  2 ;  lime 
1.25  ;  water  and  carbonic  acid  9.60. — Hisinger. 

Local.  Westmoreland,  in  Sweden,  with  bismuth,  mica,  hornblende 
and  molybdena. 

Species  2.     ALLANITE. 
Allanite,*  Thomson.     Allanite,  J.  A.  P.  C. 
Ext.  Char. — Colors,  brownish,  and  greenish  black ; 
powrder  greenish  grey  ;  occurs   massive,  and  crystal- 
lized in  four,  and  six-sided  prisms,  variously  terminat- 
ed ;   fracture  imperfect  conchoidal ;  lustre  shining  res- 
ino-metallic ;  scratches  glass,  and   gives   sparks  with 
steel ;  opake  ;  sp.  gr.  3.5  to  4. 

Chcm.  Char.  Becomes  greenish  yellow,  and  sometimes  intumesces, 
and  melts  into  a  slag. 

(  omp.  Oxide  of  cerium  33  ;  oxide  of  iron  25.40  ;  silex  35.40 ; 
lime  9.20  ;  alumine  4.10 — Thomson. 

Dist.  Char.  It  resembles  gadonolite,  but  according  to  Bournon, 
gadonolite,  in  thin  pieces,  is  translucent,  and  of  a  fine  green  color, 
while  the  present  species  is  commonly  opake,  but  when  translucent, 
is  of  a  yellowish  biown  color. 

Local.  West  Greenland,  in  a  granite  rock. 

Var.  1.     ORTHITE. 
Orthite,  Berzelius.  P.  C. 

Ext.  Char. — Colors,  ash  grey,  or  brownish,  from  de- 
composition ;  occurs  in  long  straight  seams,  or  layers ; 
texture  impalpable  ;  fracture  conchoidal ;  lustre  vitre- 
ous ;  streak,  brownish  grey ;  opake ;  scratches  glass 
with  difficiAty  ;  sp.  gr.  3.28. 

Chem.  Char.  Melts,  with  effervescence,  into  a  black  vescicular 
globule ;  with  borax,  into  a  transparent  glass. 

*  In  honor  of  Thomas  Allen,  Esq.  of  Edinburgh. 


268  OXIDE,  AND  PLUATE  OP  CERIUM. 

Comp.  Oxide  of  cerium  19.44  ;  silex  32  ;  lime  7.84  ;  alumine 
14.80  ;  protoxide  of  iron  12.44  ;  oxide  of  manganese  3.40  ;  ittria 
3.44  ;  water  5.36.—  Berzelius. 

Local.  Finbo,  in  Sweden,  along  with  albite  in  a  gneiss  rock. 

Species  3.     ITT11IO-CALCAREOUS  OXIDE  OF  CERIUM. 
Yttro-cerite,  J.  P,  C.  M. 

Ext.  Char.  —  Colors,  greyish  white,  greyish  red,  and 
violet  blue  ;  colors,  sometimes  mingled  in  the  same 
specimen;  occurs  amorphous,  and  in  crusts;  texture 
granular  ;  structure  lamellar  ;  lustre  glistening  ;  frac- 
ture uneven;  yields  to  the  knife  ;  sp.  gr.  ;3.44. 

Chem.  Char.  Becomes  white,  but  is  infusible  alone.  On  adding  a 
little  gypsum,  it  fuses  into  a  bead,  which  becomes  white  on  cooling. 
In  fine  powder,  soluble  in  muriatic  acid,  forming  a  yellow  solution. 

Comp.  Oxide  of  cerium  18.22;  ittria  9.11  ;  lime  47.63;  fluoric 
acid  25.  —  Berzelius. 

Local  Finbo,  in  Sweden,  disseminated  in  quartz. 

U.  S.  Franklin,  N.  J.  discovered  by  Col.  Gibbs.—  Silliman. 

Species  4.     FLU  ATE  OF  CERIUM. 

Fluate  of  Cerium,  Berzelius.     Fluate  of  Cerium,  P.  C.  M. 

Ext.  Char.  —  Colors,  yellow,  pale  red,  or  deep  red  ; 

occurs  in  small  masses,   in  plates,   and  in   six-sided 

prisms;  soft,  some  of  the  varieties,  yielding  to  the  nail. 

Obs.  This  is  not  quite  a  pure  fluate,  but  contains  a  little  ittria,  or 
thorina. 


1.       NEUTRAL  FLUATE  OF  CERIUM. 

Neutral  Fluate  of  Cerium,  P.  C.  M. 

Ext.  Char.  —  Color,  reddish  ;  occurs  amorphous,  in 
plates,  and  in  six-sided  prisms. 

Chcm.  Char.  Color,  changes  to  brown,  but  does  not  fuse  alone  ; 
with  borax,  and  salt  of  phosphorus,  gives  a  red  or  orange  colored  glo- 
bule, which  becomes  pale  on  cooling.  —  Mohs.  It  corrodes  glass 
when  heated  in  it. 

Comp.  Fluate  of  protoxide  of  cerium  30.43  ;  fluate  of  peroxide  of 
cerium  68,  with  a  trace  of  ittria.  —  Berzelius. 

Var.  2.     SU^-FLUATE  OF  CERIUM. 
Sub-fluate  of  Cerium,  Berzelius. 

Ext.  Char.  —  Color,  yellow;  occurs  in  siftall  masses, 
with  traces  of  ,a  crystalline  structure;  resembles  por- 
cellanite. 

Chem.  Char.  Behaves  like  the  preceding  variety,  under  the  blow- 


OXIDE  OP  TITANIUM-  269 

pipe,  except  that  its  color  changes  in  cooling,  from  dark  brown,  to 
red,  and  orange. 

Far.  3.     FLUATE  OF  ITTRIA  AND  CERIUM. 

Ext.  Char. — Color,  pale  red,  passing  into  deep  red  ; 
occurs  in  masses,  hardly  exceeding  the  size  of  a  pea ; 
yields  to  the  nail ;  fracture,  and  texture  earthy. 

Chem.  Char.  Corrodes  glass,  when  heated  in  it ;  with  borax  and 
salt  of  phosphorus,  forms  a  reddish,  or  yellowish  bead. 

Locat.  These  several  varieties  are  found  at  Finbo,  and  Broddbo, 
in  Sweden. 

O65.  The  varieties  of  fluate  of  cerium,  have  but  lately  been  dis- 
covered, and  their  chemical  characters  not  yet  fully  examined.  For 
the  above  short  descriptions,  the  public  are  indebted  to  Berzelius,  the 
discoverer  of  this  new  species.  They  are  at  present  very  rare,  hav- 
ing been  found  only  in  the  above  localities,  and  in  small  quantities. 

Genus  21.— TITANIUM. 

This  metal  has  hardly  been  seen  in  its  pure  metallic  state.  Lau- 
gier,  exposed  its  oxide,  mixed  with  combustible  matter,  to  the  highest 
heat  of  a  forge  for  six  hours,  when  a  mass  full  of  pores  was  obtained. 
This  he  considered  metallic  titanium.  It  was  brittle,  with  a  bright 
lustre,  and  in  thin  pieces,  elastic :  sp.  gr.  unknown. 

The  ores  of  titanium,  are  considerably  numerous,  and  are  widely 
disseminated. 

No  use  has  yet  been  made  of  any  of  them. 

Species  1.     OXIDE  OF  TITANIUM. 

Ext.  Char. — Colors,  red,  reddish  hrown,  yellowish  red, 
and  reddish  grey ;  also,  indigo  blue,  pale  blue,  and  dark 
red  ;  occurs  massive,  but  more  commonly,  crystallized 
in  octohedrons,  or  in  prismatic  crystals,  imperfectly 
terminated ;  fracture  granular,  or  uneven,  in  one  di- 
rection, and  laminated  in  another ;  texture  foliated  . 
lustre  metallic,  or  adamantine  ;  opake,  or  translucent  • 
scratches  glass  ;  sp.  gr.  3.8  to  4.24. 

Chem.  Char.  Infusible  alone ;  with  borax,  melts  into  a  transpa- 
rent globule,  either  reddish,  or  tinged  of  various  colors,  according  to 
the  proportion  ol  borax. 

Comp.  Titanium  66.05  ;  oxygen  33.95. — Rose. 

It  is  a  pure  oxide  of  titanium. 

Var.  1.       RED  OXIDE  OF  TITANIUM. 

Titane  oxide,  H.     Prismato-Pyramidal  Titanium-Ore,  J.     Titanitc, 
A.  P.  Red  Oxide  of  Titanium,  C.    Peritomous  Titanium-Ore,  M. 

Ext.  C/i«r.— Colors,  red,  reddish  brown,  or  copper 


270  OXIDE  OF  TITANIUM. 

red,  sometimes  grey  on  the  surface  ;  occurs  crystal- 
lized, in  four,  six,  or  eight-sided  prisms,  sometimes  ter- 
minated by  four-sided  pyramids,  and  sometimes  with 
rounded  terminations ;  crystals  often  long,  straight,  acic- 
ular,  and  striated  ;  also  occurs,  in  minute,  reticulated 
crystals  ;  and  in  bent,  or  geniculated  prisms  ;  structure 
lamellar;  lustre  adamantine,  or  metallic  ;  fracture  con- 
choidal,  or  uneven;  translucent;  scratches  glass; 
brittle  ;  sp.  gr.  4.24. 


Fig.  42.  A  geniculated  crystal,  or  two  crystals  united  base  to  base, 
forming  an  obtuse  angle  or  knee.  In  other  respects,  there  is  noth- 
ing peculiar  in  the  prisms  which  this  variety  presents. 

Chem.  Char.  Infusible  by  itself;  with  borax,  melts  into  a  reddish 
transparent  glass. 

Comp.  It  is  a  pure  oxide  of  titanium. — Klaproth. 

Dist.  Char.  It  differs  from  the  silico-calcareous  oxide  of  titanium, 
in  being  more  transparent,  in  occurring  in  more  perfect  crystals,  and 
in  being  harder.  It  resembles  the  red  garnet,  but  this  is  fusible  alone. 
The  oxide  of  tin  has  a  greater  specific  gravity,  and  decrepitates 
strongly  when  heated 

Obs.  1.  Titanium,  in  connection  with  some  other  substances,  often 
forms  very  beautiful  specimens. 

2.  The  reticulated  variety,  composed  of  capillary  or  acicular  crys- 
tals, is  found  investing,  or  penetrating  other  minerals.  Sometimes 
it  shoots  through  limpid  pieces  of  quartz,  the  crystals  crossing  each 
other  and  forming  a  kind  of  net  work  ;  hence  the  name,  reticulated. 
Such  specimens,  when  polished,  sometimes  display  the  crystals  of 
titanite,  of  the  size  of  needles,  or  even  hairs,  of  a  blood  red  color,  and 
appearing  as  though  they  were  shot  into  their  places,  when  the  quartz 
was  perfectly  soft.  Some  of  these  specimens,  are  singularly  curious 
and  beautiful. 

Titanite  occurs  chiefly  in  veins,  in  primitive  rocks,  and  particular- 
ly in  granite,  gneiss,  and  quartz 

Local.  St.  Gothard,  often  reticulated  in  quartz.  Tarentain,  in 
spathose  iron.  Carpathian  Mountain?,  in  Hungary^  Arendal,  in 
Norway.  Cairngorm,  in  Scotland.  Fern  bo,  near  Sahla,  in  Swe- 
den. 

U.  S.  Near  Richmond,  Vir.  compact,  blood  red,  in  white  quartz, 
— Bruce.  Also  in  the  Counties  of  Randolph,  Amherst,  Campbell, 
and  Bedford,  Vir.  At  some  of  these  places,  fine  specimens  are 


FERRUGINOUS  OXIDE  OP  TITANIUM.  271 

found,  some  of  which  are  near  four  inches  long. —  T.  D.  Porter. 
Near  Baltimore,  Md.  London  Grove,  Chester  County,  Penn. 
Also  in  Delaware  County,  and  at  East  Marl  borough.  Bergen  Coun- 
ty, near  Schuyler's  copper  mine,  N.  J  embedded  in  limestone.  Its 
lustre  is  highly  metallic. — Bruce.  Near  New  Haven,  and  at  Oxford, 
and  Litchfield,  Conn.  At  Oxford  it  isgeniculated,  and  at  Litchfield 
it  is  sometimes  reticulated.  Worthington,  and  Ley  den,  Mass.  At 
Leyden,  the  crystals  are  four  and  eight-sided  prisms.  Near  Kings- 
bridge,  and  on  Hudson  river,  N.  Y  color,  from  dark  blood  red  to 
light  red,  sometimes  geniculated,  and  sometimes  acicular. — Bruce. 

Var.  2.    OCTOHEDRAL  OXIDE    OF  TITANIUM. 

Anatase,  H.     Pyramidal  Titanium-Ore,  J.  M.      Anatase.     Octohe- 
drite,  P.     Oclohedral  Oxide  of  Titanium,  C. 

Ext.  Char. — Colors,  various  shades  of  brown,  and 
blue ;  also  reddish ;  by  transmitted  light,  it  is  greenish 
yellow,  or  bluish;  occurs  crystallized,  in  small  acute 
octohedrons,  with  equal  and  similar  isoceles  triangular 
faces;  one  of  the  forms  may  be  considered,  as  two  elon- 
gated pyramids,  with  square  bases,  joined  base  to 
base ;  crystals  variously  modified  by  truncation ; 
structure  lamellar ;  cleavage,  parallel  to  the  faces  of 
the  octohedron,  and  the  common  base  of  the  two  pyra- 
mids ;  opake,  or  translucent ;  lustre  metallic  adaman- 
tine ;  scratches  glass ;  brittle  ;  sp.  gr.  3.8. 

Chem.  Char.  Infusible  by  itself.  With  borax,  it  melts  into  a  glo- 
bule, the  color  of  which,  seems  to  depend  on  the  proportion  of  borax, 
with  which  it  is  fused. 

fiist.  Char.  It  is  harder  than  sulphuret  of  zinc,  and  softer  than 
spindle. 

Chem.  Char.  Like  the  preceding  variety,  it  is  nearly  a  pure  oxide 
of  titanium. 

Obs.  These  two  varieties  have  been  hitherto  arranged  as  separate 
species,  but  analysis  seems  to  point  out  the  propriety  of  placing  them 
as  varieties  of  each,  since  they  differ  little,  except  in  color. 

Local.  Near  Oisans,  in  Dauphiny,  in  veins  of  granite  and  gneiss. 
In  New  Castile.  In  Norway,  and  Brazil.  It  is  a  rare  mineral. 

Species  2.  FERRUGINOUS  OXIDE  OF  TITANIUM. 
Titane  oxyde  ferrifere,  H.     Ferruginous  Oxide  of  Titanium,  C. 
Ext.  Char. — Colors,   black,   and    brownish    black ; 
occurs  in   small   grains,  either  rounded,  or  angular ; 
structure  Isfmellar;  opake ;  brittle ;  lustre  glistening,  or 
dull ;  fracture  foliated,  in  one  direction,  and  conchoidal 
in  the  other;  sometimes  magnetic.  It  is  also  said  to  oc- 
cur in  prismatic  crystals.     Sp.  gr.  4.27  to  4.67. 


272  FERRUGINOUS  OXIDE  OF  TITANIUM. 

This  species  is  divided  into  several  varieties,  which  differ  consider- 
ably in  respect  to  their  chemical  characters. 

<  Far.  1.  WGRINE.* 

Nigrine,  A.  P   C. 

Ext.  Char.  —  Color,  black,  or  brownish  black  ;  oc- 
curs in  small  loose,  rounded,  or  angular  masses  ;  struc- 
ture lamellar  ;  cross  fracture,  flat  conchoidal  ;  lustre 
shining,  adamantine  ;  opake  ;  brittle  ;  not  magnetic  ; 
sp.  gr.  4.4. 

Chem.  Char.  Infusible  alone.  With  borax,  melts  into  a  translu- 
cent, hyacinth  red  globule. 

Comp.  Oxide  of  titanium  84  ;  oxide  of  iron  14;  oxide  of  manga- 
nese 2.  —  Klaproth 

Dist.  Char.  Its  want  of  magnetic  power,  will  distinguish  it  from 
iron. 

Local  In  Ceylon,  and  in  the  Uralian  mountains,  in  granite. 
Ohlapian,  in  Transylvania,  it  is  found  in  alluvial  earths,  with  garnets, 
and  cyanite.  It  is  a  rare  ore. 

Far.  2.    MENACCANITE.f 

Titane  oxyde  ferrifere,  H.  Menachanite,  J.  A.  P.  C. 
Ext.  Char.  —  Color,  greyish  black,  or  iron  black  : 
occurs  in  very  small  angular  grains,  resembling  gun- 
powder ;  structure  imperfectly  lamellar  ;  fracture  fine 
grained,  uneven;  lustre  glistening,  and  metallic  ;  yields 
to  the  knife  ;  brittle  ;  opake  ;  attracts  the  magnet,  fee- 
bly ;  sp.  gr.  about  4. 

Chem.  Char.  Infusible  alone.  With  borax,  melts  into  a  brownish 
green  glass. 

Comp.  Oxide  of  titanium  45.25  ;  oxide  of  iron  51  ;  silex  3.5  ;  ox- 
ide of  manganese  0.25.  —  Klaproth. 

Dist.  Char.  From  the  above  variety,  it  may  be  known  by  the  dif- 
ferent color  it  gives  borax,  and  from  iron,  by  its  weak  magnetism. 

Local.  Near  Menaccan,  in  Cornwall,  aslo  at  Lanarth.  Botany  Bay, 
in  New  South  Wales. 


Var.  3. 
Iserene,  J.  C.  P. 

Ext.Char.  —  Colors,  iron  black,  and  brownish  black  ; 
occurs  in  angular  grains  and  small  rounded  masses  ; 
structure  lamellar  in  one  direction  ;  cross  Iracture,  con- 


*  From  its  black  color. 

t  Because,  firs!  found  at  Menaccan,  in  Cornwall. 
:}:  From  its  being  founu  at  Iser,  in  Silesia. 


SILICO-CALCAREOUS  OXIDE  OP  TITANIUM.  273 

choidal ;  lustre  brilliant,  semi-metallic ;  opake ;  hard ; 
feebly  magnetic. 

Chem.  Char.  Fusible  alone,  into  a  blackish  brown,  magnetic  glass. 

Comp.  Oxide  of  titanium  48;  oxide  of  iron  48;  oxide  of  uranium 
4. —  Thomson. 

Dist.  Char.  Its  fusibility,  will  distinguish  it  from  the  other  two 
varieties,  and  its  feeble  magnetism,  will  show  that  it  is  not  octohedral 
iron  ore. 

Local.  Iser,  in  Silesia.  At  Aberdeenshire,  in  Scotland.  Isle  of 
Fetlar,  among  the  Shetlands.  On  the  banks  of  the  Mersey,  opposite 
Liverpool. 

U.  S.  Near  Richmond,  Vir.  East  Marlborough,  Penn.  in  calca- 
reous spar.  It  is  both  massive,  and  in  cylindrical  crystals,  termina- 
ted by  four-sided  pyramids. — Jessup.  Sparta,  N.  Y. — Cleveland. 

Species  3.  SILICO-CALCAREOUS  OXIDE  OF  TITANIUM. 

Titane  siliceo-calcaire,  H.    Prismatic  Titanium-Ore,  J.  M.     Sphene, 

A.  P.    Silico-Calcareous  Oxide  of  Titanium,  C. 

Ext.  Char. — Colors,  reddish  grey,  lilac  grey,  chesnut 
brown,  and  blackish  grey  ;  colors  dull ;  also  greenish, 
yellowish  green,  and  greenish  white  ;  occurs  in  mass- 
es, composed  of  angular  prismatic  pieces,  with  dis- 
tinct joints,  easily  separable  ;  and  in  crystals,  of  which 
the  primary  form  is  an  oblique,  rhombic  prism  ;  se- 
condary forms,  numerous ;  viz.  an  oblique  anguled 
four-sided  prism,  with  an  uncertain  number  of  termin- 
al faces  ;  sometimes  this  prism  is  bevelled  on  the  lat- 
eral angles,  and  sometimes  on  the  angles  of  the  extrem- 
ities ;  sometimes  the  crystals  are  compressed  into  cu- 
neiform shapes,  and  sometimes  by  truncation  they 
take  nearly  a  hexahedral  form  ;  structure,  foliated  with 
broad,  smooth  faces  ;  lustre  shining,  but  scarcely  me- 
tallic ;  cleavage  easy ;  cross  fracture,  uneven ;  translu- 
cent on  the  edges  ;  crystals  seldom  very  distinct,  but 
commonly  grouped  and  compressed  ;  scratches  glass ; 
does  not  yield  to  the  knife ;  sp.  gr.  3.50. 

Chem.  C/iar.  In  small  fragments,  it  is  fusible,  with  slight  efferves- 
cence, into  a  dark  colored  enamel.  The  dark  varieties,  turn  yellow 
before  melting.  With  borax,  it  turns  yellowish,  and  sinks  to  the  low- 
est part  of  the  globule,  but  scarcely  dissolves. 

Comp.  Oxide  of  titanium  35  ;  silex  #5 ;  lime  30  -—Klaproth. 

Dist.  Char.  It  differs  from  the  red  oxide  of  titanium,  in  color,  and  in 
crystalline  form.    The  oxide  of  tin,  has  more  of  the  metallic  lustre, 
and  is  much  heavier,  than  the  present  species.     The  brown  garnet  is 
much  harder,  and  does  not  possess  its  laminated  structure. 
35 


274  CRICHLON1TE. 

It  occurs  chiefly  in  primitive  rocks,  and  is  found  in  considerable 
quantities,  at  various  localities.  Sometimes  it  forms  a  part  of  the 
rock  in  which  it  is  found. 

Local,  Passau,  in  Bavaria.  Arendal,  in  Norway,  where  it  is  found 
with  magnetic  iron,  epidote,  hornblende,  and  augite.  It  also  occurs 
in  England,  Scotland,  France,  &c. 

U.  S.  Newton,  Sussex  County,  N.  J.  in  yellowish  rhomboidal 
prisms.  Also  at  Wantage,  in  the  same  County.  Kingsbridge.  On 
Staten  Island.  Near  Peekskill.  At  Ticonderoga,  arid  near  Lake 
George,  N.  Y.  Also  at  Cold  Spring,  N.  Y.  where  it  presents  the 
rhomboidal  prismatic  form,  and  from  whence  magnificent  specimens 
of  a  dark  brown  color,  and  presenting  broad  flat  faces,  of  several 
inches  in  extent,  are  found.  Noble  specimens  from  this  locality,  are 
among  the  collection  of  Dr.  Barrett,  of  Middletown,  who  was  its  dis- 
coverer. Petapsco  Falls,  Md.  And  also  at  Bare-Hills  near  Baltimore. 
Near  the  falls  of  Schuylkill,  five  miles  from  Philadelphia.  Also  at 
London  Grove,  in  Chester  County. 

Species  4.   CRICHTOMTE  * 

Crichtonite,  J.  P.  C.  M. 

Ext.  Char. — Color,  velvet  black;  occurs  in  small 
crystals,  in  form  of  an  acute  rhomb,  with  the  summits 
replaced,  or  otherwise  modified ;  structure  foliated  ; 
lustre  shining ;  opake ;  cross  fracture,  conchoidal ; 
scratches  fluate  of  lime,  but  not  glass. 

Local.  Oisans,  in  France,  in  a  primitive  rock. 

O&5.  It  has  not  been  analyzed.  Mohs,  has  arranged  it  as  an 
iron  ore,  and  according  to  Berzelius,  it  affords  the  same  results  be- 
fore the  blowpipe  as  titaniferous  iron.  Phillips,  however,  affirms,  that 
it  is  understood  to  be  a  compound  of  titanium,  and  silex — a  silicate  of 
titanium. 

Genus  22.— TELLURIUM.t 

When  pure,  this  metal  is  greyish  white,  between  the  colors  of  zinc, 
and  lead  ;  texture  laminated  like  antimony,  which  it  also  resembles, 
in  some  of  its  properties.  It  melts  at  a  temperature,  somewhat  above 
600  deg.  Fan.  sp.  gr.  6.11;  brittle,  and  easily  reduced  to  powder. 
Under  the  blowpipe,  it  burns  with  a  bluish,  or  greenish  flame,  and  is 
volatalized,  without  the  pungent  odor,  resembling  that  of  horse  ra- 
dish, by  which  the  native  tellurium  is  distinguished.  It  is  soluble  in 
the  acids. 

Gbs.  It  is  found  only  in  the  native  state,  mixed,  or  alloyed  with 
other  metals. 


*In  honorof  Dr. Crichton. 

i  From  the  Latin,  Tellus,  the  Earth. 


NATIVE  TELLURIUM.  275 

Species  1.  NATIVE  TELLURIUM. 

Tellure  natif  auro-ferrifore,  H.      Hexahedral  Tellurium,  J.     Native 
Tellurium,  A.   P.  C.  M. 

Ext.  Char. — Color,  tin  white,  passing  into  lead  grey ; 
occurs  massive,  and  in  minute  crystals,  which  are  com- 
monly aggregated,  or  grouped ;  primary  form,  un- 
known, owing  to  the  minuteness  of  the  crystals;  se- 
condary forms,  the  octohedron,  variously  modified ; 
also,  occurs  in  crystalline  grains,  and  plates;  lustre, 
strongly  metallic  ;  structure  foliated;  yields  to  the 
knife;  brittle;  sp.  gr.  5.7  to  6.1  J. 

Chem.  Char.  Fusible,  and  volatile,  with  a  dense  white  vapor. 
Emits  the  smell  of  horse  radish,  only  when  it  is  alloyed  with  selenium. 

Comp.  Tellurium  92.55  ;  iron  7.20  ;  gold  0.25  —Klaproth. 

Dist.  Char.  It  does  not  occur  like  native  antimony,  in  broad  folia- 
ted plates,  neither  is  it  as  hard,  or  as  heavy,  as  antimony.  Its  color 
will  distinguish  it  from  native  bismuth. 

Local.  Frecbay,  in  Transylvania,  where  it  is  found  in  a  gangue  of 
quartz  and  porphyry. 

V.  S.  Huntington,  in  Conn,  associated  with  ferrugineous  oxide  of 
tungsten,  native  bismuth,  and  native  silver. — Sillimaii. 

Var.  1 .    AURO-ARGENTIPEROUS  NATIVE  TELLURIUM. 

Tellure  nalif  auro-argentifere,  H.  Graphic  Tellurium,  J.  A.  P. 
Prismatic  Antimony  Glance,  M.  Auro- Argentiferous  Native  Tel- 
lurium, C. 

Ext.  Char. — Color,  steel  grey,  sometimes  approach- 
ing tin  white ;  occurs  crystallized  in  the  form  of  four, 
or  six-sided  prisms,  sometimes  variously  modified  ; 
lustre  metallic ;  structure  foliated  ;  crystals  very  mi- 
nute ;  fracture  uneven ;  yields  to  the  knife ;  sp.  gr.  5.7. 

Obs.  The  crystals  of  this  variety  are  arranged  so  as  to  resemble 
written  characters,  hence  the  name  graphic  tellurium. 

Chem.  Char.  Fusible  into  a  grey  globule,  with  the  emission  of  white 
vapor,  which  covers  the  charcoal,  and  is  an  oxide  of  tellurium.  Fi- 
nally there  remains  on  the  charcoal  a  globule  of  malleable  metal, 
which  is  an  alloy  of  gold  and  silver. 

Comp.  Tellurium  60  ;  gold  30  ;  silver  10. — Klaproth. 

Local.  Offenbanya,  in  Transylvania,  only,  where  it  occurs  with  na- 
tive gold,  grey  copper,  and  iron  pyrites,  in  porphyry. 

Obs.  This  is  a  valuable  ore,  and  is  worked  for  the  gold  and  silver 
it  contains. 


276     OXIDE  OF  TUNGSTEN.   TUNGSTATE  OF  IRON. 


.  2.     AURO-PLUMBIFEROUS  NATITE  TELLURIUM. 

Tellure  natif  auro-plumbifere,  H.  Prismatic  Black,  and  Yellow 
Tellurium,  J.  Black  and  Yellow  Tellurium,  A.  P.  Auro-Plum- 
biferous  Native  Tellurium,  C. 

Ext.  Char.  —  Colors,  silver  white,  passing  into  yel- 
lowish grey,  lead  grey,  and  iron  black  ;  occurs  in  small 
four-sided  prisms,  and  in  hexahedral  tables,  or  plates  ; 
lustre,  shining  metallic  ;  structure  foliated  ;  yields  to 
the  knife  ;  sp.  gr.  8  to  10. 

Chem.  Char.  Fusible,  with  the  escape  of  white  fumes,  leaving  a 
metallic  globule,  composed  of  gold,  silver  and  lead. 

Comp.  (Yellowish)  Tellurium  44.75;  gold  26.  75;  lead  19.5  ;  sil- 
ver 8.5  ;  sulphur  0.5.  (Blackish)  Tellurium  32.2  ;  gold  9  ;  lead  54  ; 
copper  I  3  ;  sulphur  S.—Klaproth. 

It  has  been  found  only  at  Nagyag,  in  Transylvania,  where  it  occurs 
with  gold,  native  arsenic,  manganese,  and  the  other  variety  of  this 
species. 

Genus  23.--TUNGSTEN. 

This  metal  has  scarcely  been  reduced  to  its  pure  metallic  state.  In 
nature  it  is  found  highly  oxyginated,  and  performing  the  office  of  an 
acid,  forming  the  tungstates  of  iron  and  lime.     It  is  also  found  in  the 
state  of  an  oxide.     According  to  Joyce  its  sp.  gr.  is  17.15. 
Species  1.    OXIDE  OF  TUNGSTEN. 

Oxide  of  Tungsten.  —  Silliman.     Yellow  oxide  of  Tungsten,  C. 

Ext.  Char.  —  Color,  various  shades  of  yellow,  as 
orange,  or  chrome  yellow;  occurs  massive,  and  pul- 
verulent ;  fracture  of  the  massive,  conchoidal,  or  small 
foliated  ;  lustre  adamantine  ;  brittle  ;  sp.  gr.  when 
pure,  6  ;  has  neither  taste  nor  smell. 

Chem.  Char.  Infusible,  and  insoluble  in  acids.  Soluble  in  warm 
liquid  ammonia,  from  whence  it  is  precipitated,  white,  by  acids,  but 
becomes  yellow  by  standing 

Local  It  has  been  found  only  at  Huntington,  in  Conn  in  a  gangue 
of  quartz,  at  Lane's  mine.  It  is  associated  with  the  other  ores  of 
tungsten,  all  the  known  varieties  of  which  are  found  at  the  same  lo- 
cality. 

Obs.  This  new  ore  of  tungsten  was  discovered  by  Beiij.  Silliman,  L.L. 
D.  of  N,  Haven,  and  by  him  first  described  in  his  Journal  of  Science. 

Species  2.   TUNGSTATE  OF  IRON. 
Scheelin  ferrugine,  H.     Prismatic  Wolfram,  J.     Wolfram,  P.     Fer- 

ruginous oxide  of  Tungsten,  C.     Prismatic  Scheelium-ore,  M. 

Ext.  Char.  —  Color,  brownish  black,  or  nearly  black; 
occurs  massive,  and  crystallized  ;  primitive  form,  which 


CALCAREOUS  OXIDE  OP  TUNGSTEN.  277 

it  sometimes  presents,  the  rectangular  four-sided 
prism ;  modifications  various  ;  sometimes  the  crystals 
are  terminated  by  truncated  pyramids  ;  sometimes  the 
prism  is  so  modified  as  to  have  ten  sides ;  arid  some- 
times, it  is  in  broad  six-sided  pyramids,  terminated  by 
four-sided  summits ;  structure  foliated ;  lustre  some- 
what metallic ;  when  massive,  it  presents  the  aspect  of 
manganese,  or  masses  of  iron  ore  •  yields  to  the  knife  ; 
opake;  very  heavy  ;  sp.gr.  7.15. 

Chem.  Char.  Fusible,  with  difficulty,  into  a  dark  scoria ;  easily  solu- 
ble in  glass  of  borax. 

Comp.  Tungstic  acid  78.77  ;  protoxide  of  iron  18.32  ;  protoxide 
of  manganese  6.22  ;  silex  1.25. — Berzelius. 

Dist.  Char.  It  resembles  oxide  of  tin,  but  this,  by  the  continued 
action  of  the  blowpipe  is  reducible  to  the  metallic  state.  It  also  resem- 
bles the  carbonate,  and  oxide  of  iron,  but  these  are  magnetic,  or  be- 
come so  when  heated. 

Local.  It  occurs  in  Cornwall,  in  all  the  tin  mines ;  also,  according 
to  Mohs,  in  almost  every  one  of  the  Saxon  and  Bohemian  tin  mines, 
and  in  Siberia. 

U  S.  Huntington,  Ct.  where  it  is  found  massive  and  in  oclohedral 
crystals. — Silliman. 

Species  3.    CALCAREOUS  OXIDE  OF  TUNGSTEN. 
Scheelin  calcaire,  H.     Tungsten,  A.  P.     Pyramidal  Tungsten,  J. — 
Pyramidial   Scheelium   Baryte,  M.     Calcareous  oxide  of  Tung- 
sten, C. 

Ext.  Char. — Colors,  white,  passing  into  yellowish 
grey,  and  reddish  brown  ;  occurs  crystallized,  arid 
massive ;  primitive  form,  the  acute  octohedron ;  se- 
condary forms,  the  octohedron,  bounded  by  isosceles 
triangles;  the  cuniform  octohedron,  and  the  octohe- 
dron, variously  modified  by  truncation ;  structure  im- 
perfectly foliated;  lustre  vitreous,  or  adamantine; 
translucent ;  yields  to  the  knife  ;  brittle  ;  sp.  gr.  5  to  6. 

Chem.  Char.  Infusible,  but  decrepitates,  and  turns  white  and  opake. 
By  digestion  with  nitric  acid,  it  forms  a  yellow  powder,  which  is  the 
peroxide  of  tungsten.  With  borax  it  forms  a  white  transparent  glass. 

Comp.     Tungstic  acid  80.42  ;  lime  19.40. — Berzelius. 

Dist  Char.  It  may  be  distinguished  from  the  light  varieties  of  the 
oxide  of  tin  by  the  yellow  powder,  which  it  forms  with  nitric  acid. — 
The  carbonate  of  lead  effervesces  with  acids,  the  tungstate  of  lime 
does  not  effervesce.  The  sulphate  of  barytes,  is  fusible,  and  is  inso- 
luble in  acids. 

This  ore  is  found  in  primitive  rocks  only,  and  is  associated  with  the 
ores  of  tin,  tungstate  of  iron,  hematite  and  arsenic. 


278  NATIVE  PALLADIUM. 

Local.  Oisans,  in  France,  Cornwall,  in  England,  Bitsberg  in  Swe- 
den, &c. 

U.  S.  Huntington,  Conn,  in  a  gangue  of  quartz,  with  the  oxides  of 
tungsten. 

(For  a  particular  account  of  the  ores  of  tungsten  as  they  occur  in 
Huntington,  see  Silliman's  Journal,  vol.  1.) 

Genus  24.— PALLADIUM  * 

Color,  greyish  white,  much  resembling  that  of  platina.  It  is  duc- 
tile, without  much  elasticity,  lustre  metallic  ;  structure  fibrous,  occurs 
native  and  alloying,  native  platina. 

Species  1.    NATIVE  PALLADIUM. 
Native  Palladium. —  Wollaston.    Palladium,  J.  M.    Native  Palladium. 

P.C. 

Ext.  Char. — Color,  steel  grey,  inclining  to  silver 
white  ;  cccurs  in  grains,  composed  of  diverging  fibres ; 
lustre  metallic  ;  sp.  gr.  1 1.8  to  12.14. 

Chem.  Char.  Infusible  alone,  but  melts  with  sulphur,  or  with  ar- 
senic, into  a  brittle  mass.  With  nitro-muriatic  acid,  it  forms  a  deep 
red  solution,  from  which  it  is  precipitated  in  the  metallic  state  by  all 
the  metals,  except  gold,  silver  and  platina. 

Dist.  Char.  The  red  solution,  which  it  forms  with  aqua-regia,  will 
distinguish  it  from  all  the  metals  which  it  resembles. 

Genus  25.— IRIDIUM  t 

Alloy  of  Iridium  and  Osmium. — Wollaston. 
Color,  greyish  white,  a  little  darker  than  platina ; 
occurs  in  flattish  grains,  and  according  to  Mohs,  in  six- 
sided  prisms,  with  six-sided  pyramids,  combined  in 
a  parallel  position,  with  two  isosceles ;  lustre  metallic  j 
brittle  ;  harder  than  platina ;  structure  foliated ;  sp. 
gr.  19.5. 

Chem.  Char.  Fusible  with  nitre,  when  it  becomes  black,  but  again 
acquires  its  original  color  if  heated  on  charcoal.  Not  dissolved  by 
aqua-regia,  until  after  fusion  with  potash  or  soda. 

Dist.  Char.  It  resembles  platina,  but  platina  is  malleable  and  solu- 
ble in  aqua-regia. 

Obs.  1.  This  metal  is  an  alloy  of  iridium  and  osmium,  and  is  found 
with  native  platina  in  South  America. 

2.  Of  Osmium  little  is  known  in  its  metallic  state.  Its  oxide  has 

*From  the  planet  Pallas. 

fFrom  iris  the  rainbow,  in  allusion  to  the  change  of  colors  it  gives  while  dis- 
solving in  acids. 


CADMIUM.       SELENIUM.  279 

been  obtained  by  dissolving  platina  in  nitro  muriatic  acid,  and  distil- 
ling the  black  powder  which  remains  with  nitre.  It  possesses  some 
properties  different  from  those  of  any  other  metal. 

Rhodium  This  metal,  like  those  above  named,  has  been  but  little 
examined.  Its  specific  gravity  is  11.  It  is  infusible  alone  even  by 
the  oxy-hydrogen  blowpipe.  With  arsenic  it  becomes  easily  fusible, 
and  after  long  continued  heat  the  arsenic  is  driven  off,  leaving  the 
rhodium  in  a  striated  porous  mass.  It  is  soluble  in  the  acids,  but  not 
malleable.  The  solutions  do  not  crystallize,  but  when  mixed  with 
water,  or  alcohol,  give  a  fine  red  color. 

Genus  2ti— CADMIUM. 

This  metal  has  been  obtained  from  some  of  the  ores  of  zinc,  in 
which  it  exists  in  small  quantities.  Its  color  is  tin  white,  it  is  mal- 
leable and  ductile,  and  bears  a  fine  polish.  By  the  blowpipe  it  rea- 
dily inflames,  and  passes  off  in  the  form  of  a  dense  vapor,  which  when 
collected  is  found  to  be  a  brown  oxide  oi  the  metal.  Sp.  gr.  of  the 
pure  metal  8.6. 

This  metal  was  discovered  a  few  jears  since,  by  Stromeyer. 

Genus  27.— SELENIUM. 

This  metal  was  first  noticed  in  some  iron  ore  from  Fahlun,  by  Ber« 
zelius.  When  pure  it  is  of  a  deep  brown  color,  with  a  metallic  lustre. 
It  fuses  at  220  deg.  Fah  and  if  slowly  cooled  assumes  a  crystalline 
texture.  When  warmed,  it  becomes  so  soft  as  to  be  kneaded  by  the 
fingers,  and  may  even  be  drawn  out  into  threads.  It  sublimes  before 
the  blowpipe  giving  out  a  strong  disagreeable  odor,  res«  mbling  that 
of  horse  radish.  This  odor  is  good  test  of  the  presence  of  selenium. 


CLASS    Vll. 


COMBUSTIBLE  MINERALS. 

The  Minerals  belonging  to  this  Class,  combine  with  oxygen,  and  un- 
dergo combustion,  under  ordinary  circumstances,  not  requiring,  like 
most  of  the  metals,  a  high  temperature,  or  the  aid  of  pure  oxygen, 
to  effect  their  combustion.  The  Glass  includes  substances  widely  dif- 
fering from  each  other,  in  their  external  characters,  and  chemical 
properties.  In  general,  their  chief  ingredients,  are  sulphur,  and 
carbon. 

Species  1.  NATIVE  SULPHUR. 

Ext.  Char. — Colors,  yellow,  passing  into  orange, 
greenish,  or  greyish ;  occurs  in  nodular  masses,  and  in 
crystals ;  form,  an  acute  pyramidal  octohedron,  with 
scalene  triangular  faces,  and  its  varieties ;  fracture  un- 
even, passing  into  splintery  ;  translucent,  or  transpar- 
ent ;  lustre  shining,  resinous  ;  acquires  negative  elec- 
tricity, by  friction ;  gives  the  sulphureous  odor,  when 
rubbed  ;  sp.  gr.  2  ;  refraction,  double,  through  paral- 
lel faces. 


Fig.  1.  The  pyramidal  octohedron,  with  sca'ene,  triangular  faces. 
This  is  the  primitive  form. 

Fig.  2.  The  same,  with  the  summits  truncated. 

Fig.  3.  The  same,  with  the  summits  replaced,  by  four  triangular 
planes,  forming  a  low  pyramid. 

Fig.  4.  In  this  form,  the  solid  angles  are  replaced,  by  rhombic 
planes. 

Chem.  Char.  It  burns  with  a  bluish  flame,  giving  but  sulphureous 
acid  gas,  which  has  the  property  of  bleaching  vegetable  substances. 

It  is  found  in  veins,  in  primitive,  and  secondary  rocks. 

Local.  Murcia,  and  Arragon,  in  Spain,  where  it  occurs  in  splen- 
did crystals,  in  a  deposite  of  gypsum,  arid  marie.  Suabia,  Hunga- 
ry, and  Peru,  in  mica-slate,  and  granite  Gibraltar,  in  swinestone. 

U>  S.  At  the  coal  mines,  near  Richmond,  Vir.  Chatham,  Conn,  of 


VOLCANIC  SULPHUR.       DIAMOND/  281 

a  greenish  color,  in  masses,  intermixed  with  quartz.  Barren  hill, 
Montgomery  County,  Penn.  granular,  or  pulverulent,  with  reddish 
white  quartz. — Shaejfcr.  In  the  waters  of  Clifton  springs,  Farming- 
ton,  N.  Y- — Mitchell.  Also  near  West  Point,  in  the  cavities  of  a  fer- 
ruginous granite  rock. — Douglass. 

Species  2.  VOLCANIC  SULPHUR. 

Volcanic  Sulphur,  P. 

Ext.  Char. — Color,  yellow,  or  yellowish  red  ;  occurs 
massive,  investing,  cellular,  and  in  small  crystals,  of 
the  same  form  as  those  of  native  sulphur.  In  its  other 
characters,  it  agrees  with  native  sulphur. 

It  is  found  in  the  fissures  of  lava,  in  volcanic  countries. 

Local.  Iceland,  Italy,  Gaudaloupe,  Nevis,  Solfatara,  and  more  or 
less,  in  almost  every  volcanic  district. 

Obs.  Volcanic  sulphur,  probably  owes  it  origin,  to  the  decomposi- 
tion of  metallic  sulphurets,  by  the  heat  of  burning  mountains.  It  is 
found  lining  the  fissures  of  lava,  and  other  volcanic  products,  being 
elevated  from  the  depths  below,  by  sublimation. 

Perhaps  the  most  remarkable  deposit  of  volcanic  sulphur,  is  that  of 
Solfatara,  near  Naples,  in  a  kind  of  sunken  plain,  surrounded  by  rocks, 
which  is  regarded  as  the  crater  of  an  ancient  volcano  ;  and  from  it, 
since  the  age  of  Pliny,  has  been  obtained  a  considerable  proportion  of 
the  sulphur  used  in  Europe. — Phillips. 

In  the  plain  within  the  crater  of  Soltafara,  smoke  issues  from  many 
parts,  as  also  from  its  sides  ;  here,  by  means  of  atones,  and  tiles,  heap- 
ed over  the  crevices,  through  which  the  smoke  passes,  they  collect 
sal  ammoniac ;  and  from  the  sand  of  the  plain,  they  extract  sulphur, 
and  alum. — Hamilton. 

Species  3.    DIAMOND. 

Diamant,  H.     Diamond,  P.   C.     Octohedral  Diamond,  J.  M. 

Ext.  Char. — Colorless,  or  of  a  yellowish,  bluish,  yel- 
lowish green,  clove  brown,  brownish  black,  Prussian 
blue,  or  rose  red  color ;  occurs  crystallized,  and  in 
roundish  grains,  which  often  present  indications  of 
crystalline  faces  ;  form,  the  octohedron,  with  its  varie- 
ties ;  faces  often  convex  ;  structure  perfectly  lamellar, 
with  cleavage  parallel  to  all  the  planes  of  an  octohe- 
dron ;  transparent,  translucent,  or  opake ;  sp.  gr.  ;i5. 
It  is  the  hardest  of  all  known  substances.  Refraction 
simple. 

Chem.  Char.  At  a  white  heat,  its  combustion  is  slowly  effected. 
When  burned  in  oxygen  gas,  the  combination  forms  carbonic  acid 
gas,  hence,  its  composition  is  pure  carbon. 
36 


282  DIAMOND. 

The  secondary  forms  of  the  diamond,  are  very  numerous.     The 
following  are  among  the  most  common. 


Fit?.  5.  The  primitive  form,  a  regular  octohedron. 

Fig.  6.  This  figure  is  intended  to  exhibit  the  laminated  structure 
of  the  diamond,  when  cleaved. 

Fig.  7.  The  octohedron,  with  the  edges  replaced  by  interrupted, 
narrow,  convex  surfaces.  This  is  the  most  common  truncated  va- 
riety. 

Fit>.  8.  The  primitive  octohedron,  so  modified,  as  to  present  forty- 
eight  curvilinear  faces,  each  face  of  the  primitive,  being  divided,  by 
elevated  edges,  into  six  smaller  ones. 

Obs.  I.  The  diamond  is  commonly  found  in  alluvial  deposites,  or 
among  the  sand  and  pebbles  of  running  streams.  Little,  or  nothing, 
is  therefore  known  of  its  geological  situation,  since  in  these  cases,  it 
has  been  removed  from  the  place  where  it  was  originally  formed.  A 
specimen  in  the  possession  of  Mr.  Heuland,  is  said  to  be  imbedded 
in  a  compact  variety  of  iron  ore,  but  this  is  by  no  means  thought  to  be 
its  original  gangue. 

2.  The  mode  of  searching  for  diamonds,  in  Brazil,  is  described  by 
Mawe.     In  that  country,  the  diamond  mines  are  the  beds  of  certain 
rivers,  which  in  the  summer  season,  become  dry.     During  this  sea- 
son, the  gravel,  or  soil,  which  has  been  deposited  by  the  heavy  rains, 
is  removed,  and  placed  in  heaps  on  the  nearest  plain.     When  the  rain 
commences,  and  the  water  becomes  abundant,  the  miners  wash  this 
soil  in  small  conical  bowls,  until  all  the  mud,  and  earthy  particles,  are 
carried  off,  and  the  gravel  is  entirely  clean.      It  is  then  carefully 
searched  for  the  diamonds,  and  particles  of  gold,  both  of  which  are 
at,  or  near,  the  bottom  of  the  vessel. 

3.  In  India  the  diamond   mines  extend  through  a  long   tract  of 
country,  from  Bengal  to  Cape  Cormorin.      The  chief  of  these,  are 
now,  between  Golconda,  and  Masulipatam,  where  the  diamonds  are 
found  in  beds  of  ferruginous  sand  or  gravel.      Fifty  years  ago,  there 
were  more  than  twenty  places  in  the  kingdom  of  Golconda,  in  which 
diamonds   of  different  sizes  were  found,  and  fifty  places  were  also 
wrought  in  the  kingdom  of  Visapour.     Many  of  these  mines  are  now 
abandoned,  there  being  none  but  small  diamonds   found  in  them. 
At  present,  the  diamonds  of  Pastael,  twenty  miles  from  Golconda,  at 
the  foot  of  the  Gate  mountains,  are  most  in  request. — Phillips. 

The  following  list  contains  all  the  known  Diamonds,  of  remarka- 
ble size,  existing. 

1.  The  great  diamond  brought  from  India,  and  for  which  the  In- 
dia Company  asked  .£30,000,  was  by  far  the  largest  MI  Europe,  ex- 
cept the  Pitt  diamond,  belonging  to  the  French  crown.  Its  weight 


DIAMOND.  1 83 

is  89  3-4  carats,  and  its  worth  at  £ 80  the  carat,  would  be  ,£637,000. 
The  following  figures  represent  the  size  and  shape  of  this  diamond. 


The  upper  figure,  is  a  geometrical  view  of  the  diamond,  from  its 
upper  face  ;  the  lower  figure  is  a  perspective  view,  taken  in  the  direc- 
tion of  the  dotted  lines  x.  y.  of  the  upper  figure.  The  letters  A,  B, 
C,  set  against  the  angles  of  the  figure,  and,  a.  b.  c.  against  the  inter- 
mediate sides,  respectively  refer  the  same  parts  of  the  figure  to  each 
other.  D,  both  in  the  geometrical,  and  perspective  drawing,  marks 
the  upper,  or  flat  face  ;  and  the  inclined  position  of  the  latter,  in  the 
perspective  view,  indicates  the  direction  of  the  plane. 

Shaw's,  Nature  displayed, 

2.  One  of  the  largest  diamonds,  hitherto  known,  is  in  the  posses- 
sion of  the  Rajah  of  Mattan,  in  the  Island  of  Borneo,  where  it  was 
found  about  a  century  since.      It  is  shaped  like  an  egg,  with  an  in- 
dented hollow,  near  the  smaller  end.      It  is  of  the  finest  water,  and 
weighs,  367  carats,  or  2  oz.  169  grs.  Troy. 

For  this  diamond,  the  Governor  of  Batavia,  offered  the  Rajah,  one 
hundred  and  fifty  thousand  dollars,  two  large  brigs  of  war,  with  their 
guns,  and  ammunition,  and  a  certain  number  of  great  guns,  and  a 
quantity  of  ammunition  besides  The  Rajah,  however,  refused,  part- 
ly, perhaps,  because  the  stone  was  considered  to  possess  miraculous 
powers,  the  water  in  which  it  was  dipped,  being  an  imaginary  remedy, 
for  all  diseases.  The  fortune  of  his  family,  was  also  supposed  to  be 
connected  with  this  stone. 

3.  The  Queen  of  Portugal,  was  said  to  have  possessed  a  diamond, 
weighing  eleven  ounces,  which,  according  to  the  rule  of  estimating  its 
value,  at  ,£80  the  carat,   would  be  worth,  «£224,000,000?  sterling. 
This  stone,  is  however,  said  to  be  a  white  topaz. — Bingley. 

4.  The  Pitt  Diamond,  was  brought  from  India,  by  George  Pitt,  Esq. 
and  sold  by  him,  to  the  Regent  Duke  of  Orleans,  for  about  ,£100,000 
sterling.  It  is  the  same  which  was  set  in  the  hilt  of  Napolean's  state 
sword. 


281 


DIAMOND. 


5.  The  sceptre  of  the  Emperor  of  Russia,  is  adorned  with  a  dia- 
mond, about  the  size  of  a  pigeon's  egg.     It  had  once  been  the  eye  of 
an  eastern  idol,   and  is  said  to  have  been   stolen  by  a  French  grena- 
dier, who  contrived  to  become  one  of  the  priests  of  the  idol,  for  this 
purpose      Count  Orloff,  bought  it  for  Queen  Catharine,  f  o  <£90,000 
sterling,  and  an  annuity  of  .£4000  a  year,  during  the  life  of  the  person 
who  sold  it. 

6.  A  Diamond,  in  possession  of  the  Great  Mogul,  is  said  to  weigh 
about  2H\)  carats,  and  is  valued  at  .£700,000  sterling.     This  diamond, 
in  the -rough,  weighed,  793  carats. 

7.  The  King  of  Portugal,   possesses  a  Diamond,  weighing,  215 
carats. 

The  following ',  is  a  part  of  the  inventory  of  the  crown  jewels  of 
France,  according  to  the  estimate  of  a  commission  of  jewellers,  ap- 
pointed by  the  National  Assembly,  in  1791. 

Weight, 


in  carats. 
136  14-15, 


Estimated  at 

Dolls. 
2,220,000. 


1.  Le  Regent,  or  the  Pitt,  diamond, 

2.  Le  Sancy,  a  translucent  diamond, 

cut  in  facets,  33  1 1-16,          185,000. 

3.  A  rich  sky  blue  brilliant,  67    2-16,          555,000. 

4.  A  pear-shaped  diamond,  of  a  peach 

blossom  color,  24  13-10,  37,000. 

5.  The  Mirror  of  Portugal,  21    2-16,  46,250. 

6.  A  brilliant  diamond,  ~  26  12-16.  32,750. 

7.  A  diamond,  cut  in  facets,  28    1-16.  46,250. 

8.  A  colorless  brilliant,  14  14-16.  32,750. 

9.  A  peach  blossom  brilliant,  1412-16.  5,550. 

10.  A  brownish  brilliant,  13    8-16.  6,475. 

11.  A  yellowish  brilliant,  11   2-16,  1,850. 
A  wine  colored  brilliant,                           18   9-16.             13,875. 

3.  Fifteen  brilliants,  weighing 
from  5  to  10  carats  each,  154,105 

^14.   1631  small  diamonds,  weighing 
in  all,  425.  14,287. 

15.  A  pale  blue  brilliant,  31  12-16.  55,000. 

16.  An  Epaulette,  containing  9  larger, 

and  197  smaller  brilliants,  8,695. 

Obs.  The  above  list  will  serve  to  show  the  immense  disproportion 
there  is,  between  the  value  of  small,  and  large  diamonds,  and  also,  how 
their  value  is  increased,  or  diminished,  by  transparency,  and  by  color. 
Thus,  number  8,  is  more  than  seven  times  as  valuable  as  number  9, 
because  it  is  colorless. 

Rule  for  estimating  the  value  of  Diamonds. — Diamonds  are  valu- 
ed by  the  carat.  A  carat  is  4  grains.  The  estimate  is  made  by 
squaring  the  number  of  carats,  and  multiplying  the  result,  by  the 
price  of  a  single  carat.  Thus  the  price  increases  in  a  much 
greater  proportion  than  the  weight. 

The  price  of  a  small  rough  diamond,  fit  for  polishing,  is  «£2;  the 
carat.  One  weighing  2  carats,  is  worth,  2x  2r=4><  2<£.=8«£.  One 


MINERAL  CHARCOAL.       CARBURET  OF  IRON.  285 

of  4  carats,  4X  4=16X  2—  3&£.      One  of  10  carats,  10X  10  = 


The  value  of  small  diamonds,  cut  and  polished,  is  from  <£6,  to  <£8, 
the  carat.  One  weighing  10  carats,  or  40  grains,  would  therefore  be 
worth,  10  X  10=100x;6=<£600,  or  $2^(56,64,  at  £G  the  carat. 
But  some  large,  and  beautiful  diamonds,  are  valued  at<£80  the  carat. 

The  first  attempt  to  polish  the  diamond  was  made,  by  rubbing  two 
against  each  other.  In  this  way,  after  years  of  incessant  labor,  a  dia- 
mond was  polished.  At  the  present  time,  diamonds  are  cut,  with 
copper  wire,  coated  with  diamond  bort,  or  dust,  and  polished  on  a 
wheel,  with  the  same. 

When  cut  and  polished,  diamonds  are  divided  by  jewellers,  into 
brilliant,  rose,  and  table  diamonds,  depending  on  the  form  and  num- 
ber of  their  artificial  faces. 

The  colored  varieties  are  seldom  cut  and  polished  for  jewelry,  but 
are  powdered,  for  polishing  the  transparent  variety. 

When  a  diamond  is  perfectly  colorless,  and  transparent,  it  is  said 
to  be  ofthejirst  water. 

Diamonds  are  set  without  a  back,  and  when  worn  as  head  dresses, 
&c.  are  placed  on  black  velvet. 

Species  5.  MINERAL  CHARCOAL. 

Mineral  Charcoal,  A.  P.  C. 

Ext.  Char.  —  Color,  black,  or  greyish  black  ;  consists 
of  charcoal,  with  various  proportions  of  earth,  and  iron  ; 
but  without  bitumen  ;  lustre  glimmering  ;  structure  fi- 
brous, with  a  texture  like  wood.  It  is  a  little  heavier 
than  common  charcoal. 

Chem.  Char.  Before  the  blowpipe,  it  is  reduced  to  ashes,  without 
either  flame,  or  smoke. 

It  occurs  in  thin  layers,  in  several  formations  of  mineral  coal. 
Sometimes,  the  two  kinds  are  found  attached  to  each  other. 

Species  5.     CARBURET  OF  IRON.     GRAPHITE. 

Graphit,  H.  Graphite,  C.  Plumbago,  P. 
Ext.  Char.  —  Color,  steel  grey,  passing  into  iron 
black  ;  occurs  in  amorphous,  or  reniform  masses,  or 
disseminated  in  other  minerals  ;  also,  according  to 
Phillips,  in  regular  six-sided  crystals,  with  striated 
summits  ;  lustre  glittering,  metallic  ;  fracture  uneven, 
granular,  or  foliated  ;  unctuous  to  the  touch  ;  soils  the 
fingers  ;  writes  on  paper  or  wood  ;  opake  ;  conducts 
electricity  ;  sp.  gr.  2. 

Chem.  Char.  Before  the  blowpipe,  slowly  consumes,  leaving  a  small 
portion  of  oxide  of  iron  on  the  charcoal.  With  borax,  it  dissolves  and 
coats  the  outside  of  the  globule,  metallic  black. 

Comp.  Carbon  96  ;  iron  4.  —  Saussure. 


286  ANTHRACITE. 

Dist.  Char.  It  resembles  sulphuret  of  molybdena,  but  is  common- 
ly less  brilliant.  The  two  minerals,  are  readily  distinguished  by  the 
blowpipe  with  borax.  The  graphite  slowly  dissolves,  or  separates 
into  small  particles,  which  incrust  the  surface  oi'the  borax.  The 
molybdena  adheres  to  the  surface  in  distinct  brilliant  scales,  not  be- 
ing in  the  least  altered  by  the  heat. 

Obs.  This  mineral  is  very  improperly  called  black-lead,  from  its 
resemblance  to  that  metal. 

It  is  found  chiefly  in  primitive  rocks. 

Local.  Bavaria,  Germany,  Piedmont,  Calabria,  Bohemia,  Austria, 
England,  &c. 

One  of  the  most  remarkable  repositories  of  graphite,  is  at  Borrow- 
dale,  in  Cumberland,  Eng.  where  it  forms  a  considerable  mountain. 
From  this  place,  a  great  proportion  of  that  used  in  commerce  is 
taken. 

U.  S.  Cornwall,  Conn,  in  considerable  quantities. — Brace.  Tol- 
land,  Sharon,  and  Hebron,  Conn.  Two  miles  from  Holland  meeting- 
house, Mass.  Chester,  and  Mount  Monadnock,  N.  H.  Sutton.  do. 
of  a  good  quality. — Cleveland.  Transylvania,  Buck's  County,  Vir. 
in  considerable  quantity. — Conrad.  From  this  graphite,  good  pencils 
have  been  made  in  New  York. — Cleveland.  Near  Lake  Champlain, 
near  the  city  of  New  York,  and  near  Lake  George,  N.  Y.  At  the 
latter  locality,  it  is  sometimes  found  in  masses  weighing  12  pounds, 
and  is  very  compact. — Gibbs. 

Uses.  The  fine  kinds  of  graphite  are  sawn  into  thin  plates,  one 
edge  of  which  is  then  inserted  into  a  groove,  in  a  small  semi-cylinder 
of  cedar  wood,  which  is  then  sawn  off  in  a  line  with  the  wood,  and  the 
other  half  glued  on.  In  this  manner,  the  common  black  lead  pen- 
cils are  made.  Crayons,  are  made  by  melting  the  refuse,  or  sawings, 
with  sulphur,  and  then  casting  it  into  moulds.  These  are  easily  dis- 
tinguished, when  rubbed,  or  heated,  by  their  sulphureous  smell. 

Graphite,  is  also  used  to  form  crucibles,  which  are  much  less  liable 
to  fail  at  high  degrees  of  heat,  than  those  made  of  clay  and  sand. 

Species  6.     ANTHRACITE.* 

Anthracite,  H.     Glance  Coal,  J.     Anthracite,  Blind  Coal,  P.     An- 
thracite, C.     Non-Bituminous  Mineral-Coal,  M. 

Ext.  Char. — Color,  greyish  black;  occurs  massive, 
slaty,  and  columnar;  lustre  metallic  ;  often  presenting 
irised,  or  tarnished,  splendid  metallic  colors,  consist- 
ing of  red,  blue,  and  yellow,  intermixed;  easily  fran- 
gible ;  sometimes  soils  the  fingers ;  opake  ;  sp.  gr.  1.40 
to  1.60. 

Chem.  Char.  Before  the  blowpipe,  it  slowly  disappears  without 
flame,  smoke,  or  smell.  When  burning  in  a  wind  furnace,  the  small 
quantity  of  water  which  it  contains,  is  decomposed,  and  the  hydrogen 
gives  a  feeble  flame. 


*  From  the  Greek  ;  consisting  of  carbon. 


ANTHRACITE.  287 

Comp.  From  72  to  95  per  cent,  of  carbon  ;  the  residue  being  ox- 
ide of  iron,  silex,  and  alumine. 

Di»t.  Char.  It  resembles  graphite,  but  its  fracture  presents  a  more 
shining  and  conchoidal  surface.  With  borax,  it  floats  on  the  surface 
without  change,  while  the  graphite,  slowly  dissolves  and  coats  the 
surface.  It  is  heavier  than  common  mineral  coal,  which  also  gives 
out  a  bituminous  odor  before  the  blowpipe. 
There  are  three  varieties  of  anthracite. 

Var.  1.  Slaty  Anthracite. — Structure  imperfectly  slaty  in  one  di- 
rection, and  in  which,  it  may  be  cleaved  into  layers,  of  greater,  or  less 
thickness ;  cross  fracture  conchoidal,  or  uneven  ;  lustre  metallic. 

Obs.  This  perhaps,  is  the  most  common,  variety  of  this  species.  A 
great  proportion  of  the  Rhode  Island  anthracite,  is  of  this  kind. 

Var.  2.  Massive  Anthracite. — This  variety  agrees  with  the  de- 
scription of  the  species,  with  the  addition  of  a  compact  texture,  and  a 
conchoidal  or  undulating  fracture. 

Obs.  1.  The  fracture  often  resembles  that  of  glass,  or  obsidian,  the 
point  where  it  is  struck,  being  surrounded  by  wave-like,  undulations, 
like  those  produced  by  dropping  a  stone  into  a  calm  sheet  of  water. 
2    The  Lehigh  coal,  belongs  to  this  variety. 

Var.  3.  Columnar  Anthr'acite. — It  occurs  in  the  form  of  short  pris- 
matic concretions,  sometimes  perfectly  plane  and  straight,  sometimes 
curved  ;  color,  iron  black  ;  sometimes  displaying  the  prismatic  colors  -, 
soft,  light,  and  brittle  ;  fracture  flat  conchoidal. 

Anthracite,  is  found  chiefly  in  primitive  rocks,  though  sometimes 
in  those  of  secondary  formations. 

Local.  Near  Allemont,  in  France,  anthracite  forms  layers  in  a  bed 
of  black  slate,  at  an  elevation  of  about  7,500  feet  above  the  level  of 
the  sea.  In  England,  it  is  found  in  the  coal  formations  of  Walsal,  in 
Staffordshire.  In  Scotland,  at  Carlton  Hill,  near  Edinburgh,  and  in 
several  other  places.  In  Wales,  there  are  several  formations  of  an- 
thracite. It  also  occurs  in  Holland,  Norway,  Switzerland,  Savoy, 
Spain,  &c. 

O6s.  In  England,  it  is  called  stone  coal,  in  Scotland,  blind  coal, 
and  in  Ireland,  Kilkenny  coal. 

U.  S  The  anthracite  formation  of  Pennsylvania,  is  very  exten- 
sive. From  the  northeast  branch  of  the  Susquehannah,  it  extends 
eastward  about  30  miles,  and  westward  from  the  same  river,  about  2 
or  3  miles.  It  extends  down  the  Susquehannah,  to  about  10  miles 
below  Sunbury.  The  waters  of  the  rivers  Fishing,  Lehigh,  Muncey, 
and  Schuylkill,  pass  through  this  formation.  On  the  Schuylkill,  it 
extends  to  about  20  miles  above  Reading-  At  Wilkesbarre,  the  an- 
thracite appears  at  the  surface,  and  there  forms  a  bed,  from  20  to  30 
feet  thick.  Mines  are  worked  at  Wilkesbarre,  and  at  the  heads  of 
the  Lehigh,  and  Schuylkill  rivers.  "  At  Wilkesbarre,  the  price  is 
12  1-2  cents  the  bushel.  At  Philadelphia  it  has  been  sold  at  50  or 
60  cents  the  bushel ;  but  by  improvement  in  the  navigation  of  the 
rivers,  its  price  must  be  lowered  to  ^5  or  30  cents. — Cooper. 

This  anthracite  is  of  a  jet  black  color,  sometimes  inclining  to  lead 
grey  ;  lustre  shining,  sometimes  splendent,  and  semi-metallic ;  not 
very  brittle  ;  does  not  soil  the  hands  ;  specific  gravity,  about  1.60. 


288  MINERAL  OIL. 

It  burns  without  smoke  or  flame,  and  when  once  ignited,  which  i& 
readily  done  with  charcoal,  it  makes  a  very  intense  heat,  and  con- 
sumes so  slowly,  as  to  require  replenishing,  only  3  or  4  times  in  24 
hours. 

The  use  of  Lehigh  coal,  is  strongly  recommended  by  many  practi- 
cal mechanics,  and  particularly  by  Founders  and  Blacksmiths,  Wire 
makers,  &c. 

From  the  certificate,  of  Messrs.  White  4*  Hazard,  proprietors  of 
a  Wire  Manufactory,  and  Rolling  and  Slitting  Mill,  near  Philadel- 
phia, it  appears  on  actual  experiment,  that  it  takes  only  five  bushele 
of  this  coal,  to  heat  10  cwt.  of  bar  iron,  for  rolling,  and  that  for  this 
purpose,  Lehigh  coal  at  90  cents  the  bushel,  is  as  cheap  as  Virginia 
coal,  at  2  1-2  cents  the  bushel. 

From  the  certificate  of  Mr.  David  Hess,  it  appears  that  a  peck  of 
this  coal,  with  a  small  proportion  of  charcoal,  is  sufficient  to  manu- 
facture 8  gun  barrels. 

Mr.  Smith,  states  in  his  certificate,  that,  "  In  forging  twenty  plough 
devices,  he  used  a  full  heaped  half  bushel,  of  this  coal,  weighing 
451bs.  and  that  in  making  the  same  number  of  devices  with  char- 
coal, he  used  six  bushels,  and  took  two  hours  more  time." 

Sillimari's  Journal,  Vol  4. 

In  Portsmouth,  Rhode  Island,  reposes  a  bed  of  anthracite,  which 
has  been  worked,  more  or  less,  for  many  years.  Its  color  varies  from 
lead  grey,  to  greyish  black ;  structure  slaty  ;  sometimes  breaks  into 
small  rhomboidal  fragments,  the  general  surface  of  the  fractured  faces 
being  uneven,  or  hackly.  It  soils  the  fingers,  and  is  easily  broken. 
Its  specific  gravity,  according  to  Dr.  Meade,  is  from  1  45  to  1.75; 
and  its  composition,  about  94  per  cent,  of  carbon,  without  any  con- 
tamination from  sulphur.  The  remainder  appears  to  be  chiefly  iron, 
and  silex. 

According  to  the  experiments,  of  Mr.  Marcus  Bull,  of  Philadelphia, 
the  comparative  value  of  the  Rhode  Island,  and  Lehigh  anthracites, 
for  fuel,  is  as  71  to  99. 

Species  7.     MINERAL  OIL. 

Mineral  Oil,  P. 
There  are  two  varieties  of  this  species,  viz.  naptha,  and  petroleum > 

Var.  1.     NAPTHA. 

Bitume  lignide  blanchatre,  H.  Naptha,  J.  P.  C. 
Ext.  Char. — Color,  yellowish,  or  wine  yellow  ;  some- 
times without  color,  and  transparent  ;  it  exhales  a 
strong  bituminous  odor,  and  burns  with  a  blue  flame, 
and  much  smoke,  leaving  no  residuum.  It  swims  on 
water,  sp.  gr.  from  0.71  to  0.85.  water  being  1000. 

Obs.  It  is  exceedingly  inflammable,  and  takes  fire,  even  on  the  ap- 
proach of  flame. 

Camp.  Carbon  87.21  ;  hydrogen  12.79. — Saussure. 


MINERAL  OIL.  289 

Obs.  1.  When  distilled  and  made  perfectly  pure,  it  contains  nei- 
ther water,  nor  oxygen,  in  any  other  form. 

2.  Advantage  was  taken  of  this  circumstance,  by  Sir  Humphrey 
Davey,  in  order  to  preserve  the  new  metals,  potassium,  and  sodium, 
which  are  instantly  decomposed  by  water,  or  any  other  substance  con- 
taining oxygen,  but  are  kept  for  any  length  of  time,  when  covered 
with  naptha. 

3.  Plutarch,  in  his  life  of  Alexander,  relates  how  astonished  and 
delighted  that  monarch  was,   when  at  Ecbatana,  the  people  laid  a 
train  of  naptha  through  the  street,  and  set  it  on  fire. 

4.  Pliny  and  Galen  suppose,  that  this  was  the  substance,  with 
which  Medea  destroyed  Creusa,  the  daughter  of  Creon.     She  sent 
that  unfortunate  princess  a  robe,  besmeared  with  a  substance  which 
burst  into  flames,  as  soon  as  she  approached  the  altar,  where  incense 
was  burning,  and  thus  was  miserably  destroyed. 

5.  Beckmann,  has  related  several  instances  where  effects,  consid- 
ered magical,  were  produced  by  the  extreme  inflammability  of  this 
substance. 

Local  Copious  springs  of  naptha,  occur  on  the  Caspian  sea.  The 
earth  in  that  vicinity,  constantly  exhales  its  vapor,  and  it  is  said  that 
the  inhabitants,  by  concentrating  this  vapor,  and  passing  it  through 
tubes,  have  perpetual  lights,  and  that  they  cook  their  food  by  this 
kind  of  fire,  It  is  collected  by  digging  wells,  a  few  yards  deep.  It  is 
also  found  in  Sicily,  Dalmatia,  Hungary,  Siberia,  &c  The  streets  of 
Genoa,  are  said  to  be  lighted  with  it,  instead  of  oil. — Phillips. 

Var.  2.     PETROLEUM. 

Bitume  liquide  brun  et  noiratre,  H.  Petroleum,  A  P.  C. 
Ext.  Char. — This  is  a  black,  bituminous  semi-fluid, 
with  a  strong  odor,  especially  when  heated.  It  is  very 
combustible,  and  burns  with  a  copious,  thick  and  black 
smoke,  leaving  a  small  quantity  of  coaly  residue.  By 
distillation,  it  yields  a  colorless  fluid,  which  resembles 
naptha,  in  many  of  its  properties,  and  probably  does 
not  differ  materially  from  that  substance. 

It  is  found  in  many  countries,  particularly  in  the  vicinity  of  coal 
formations. 

Local.  France,  at  several  places.  England.  St.  Catharine's  Well, 
at  Edinburgh.  Bavaria.  Switzerland.  Near  Parma,  in  Italy. 

But  it  is  most  plentifully  found  in  Asia.  In  the  Birman  Empire, 
in  one  neighborhood,  there  is  520  wells  in  full  activity,  into  which 
petroleum  flows  from  over  coal  formations.  The  quantity  of  petrole- 
um, annually  produced  by  them,  amounts  to  more  than  400,000  hogs- 
heads. In  that  section  of  country,  it  is  used  instead  of  oil  for  lamps; 
mixed  with  earth,  or  ashes,  it  is  used  for  fuel.. — Phillips. 

Obs.  It  is  said  that  when  naptha  is  exposed  to  the  air,  it  becomes 
brown  ;  thickens,  and  passes  into  petroleum.  It  has  already  been 
observed,  that  petroleum  when  distilled,  yields  a  fluid  much  resem- 
37 


290  BITUMEN. 

bling  naptha.    It  is  most  probable,  therefore,  that  naptha  becomes  pe- 
troleum, after  the  loss  of  its  more  pure  and  volatile  particles. 

U.  S.  Robertson,  enumerates  1 1  localities  of  petroleum  in  the 
United  States.  Only  the  most  important  can  be  mentioned. 

Five  miles  from  Scottsville,  Ken.  It  is  found  on  a  spring  of  water, 
and  sells  at  25  cents  the  gallon. — Jessup.  Seneca  Lake,  N.  Y.  It  is 
called  Seneca  oil,  and  is  collected  in  considerable  quantitities. — 
Cleveland.  Medina  Cdunty,  Ohio,  and  in  several  other  places  in  that 
state. 

Species  8.    BITUMEN. 

Bitume,  H.     Black  Mineral  Resin,  J.     Bitumen,  P  C. 
Of  this  species  there  are  three  varieties,  viz.  Earthy,  Elastic,  and 
Compact.     In  most  of  their  properties  they  agree ;  but  differ  in  their 
external  characters. 

Var.  1.     EARTHY  BITUMEN. 

Earthy  Pitch,  J.     Earthy  Bitumen,  P. 

Ext.  Char. — Color,  blackish  brown ;  fracture  earthy, 
and  uneven ;  soft  enough  to  take  an  impression  from 
the  nail.  It  burns  with  a  clear  brisk  flame,  emits  an 
agreeable  odor,  and  leaves  much  soot.  It  appears  to 
consist  of  inflammable  matter,  mingled  with  a  consid- 
erable proportion  of  earthy  substances. — Phillips. 

Local.  Persia,  where  it  is  collected  with  great  care  and  sent  to  the 
king  as  a  remedy  for  wounds.  Also,  in  France,  England,  and  in 
the  Hartz. 

Var.  2     ELASTIC  \BITUMEN. 

Bitume  elastique,  H.  Elastic  Bitumen,  P.  C. 
Ext.  Char. — Color,  black  or  brownish  black  ;  soft ; 
yields  easily  to  pressure,  and  is  flexible,  and  elastic, 
like  India  rubber ;  burns  easily  and  rapidly,  with  a 
thick  black  smoke,  and  strongly  bituminous  odor.  In 
a  gentle  heat  it  melts,  loses  its  elasticity,  and  is  con- 
verted into  a  substance,  like  petroleum,  or  asphaltum. 

Obs.  It  effaces  the  marks  of  a  lead  pencil,  like  India  rubber,  and 
has  hence  been  called  mineral  caoutchouc. 
Local.  Odin  mine,  Derbyshire,  Eng. 

Far.  3.     COMPACT  BITUMEN.    ASPHALTUM. 

Bitume  solide,  H.     Compact  Bitumen,  P. 

Ext.  Char. — Color,  jet   black,  black,  or  brownish 

black  ;  occurs   massive  ;  fracture   conchoidal ;  lustre 

shining,  resinous  ;  opake  ;  very  brittle ;  when  rubbed, 

or  heated,  gives  out  a  bituminous  odor,  like  that  of 


MINERAL  COAL.  291 

naptha;  when  burned,  it  leaves  a  small  quantity  of 
ashes. 

Comp.  It  consists  chiefly,  according  to  Phillips,  of  bituminous  oil, 
hydrogen  gas,  and  carbon,  but  often  contains  a  little  oxide  of  iron,  and 
earth. 

Local.  Lake  Asphaltites,  or  the  Dead  Sea,  in  Judea.  Barbadoes, 
and  Trinidad,  in  the  West  Indies.  Cape  St.  Antoine,  in  Cuba. 
Neufchatel,  in  Switzerland.  Cornwall,  in  England. 

O65.  At  Trinidad,  there  is  a  lake  covered  with  asphaltum,  three 
miles  in  circumference.  It  is  divided  by  cracks,  or  fissures,  of  un- 
known depth,  filled  with  fresh  water,  and  containing  several  species 
of  fish.  Sometimes  it  contains  pieces  of  unaltered  wood,  showing 
that  it  was  once  soft ;  indeed,  in  one  part  of  the  lake,  the  petroleum  is 
fluid  at  the  present  day.  In  general,  it  may  be  easily  cut,  and  its  in- 
terior is  oily  and  vesicular.  When  mixed  with  oil,  tallow,  or  tar,  it  ac- 
quires fluidity,  and  is  used  as  pitch. — Nugent. 

Uses.  The  ancients  employed  this  substance  as  a  cement  in  build- 
ing. It  is  the  opinion  of  historians,  that  the  bricks  of  the  walls  of 
Babylon  were  cemented  with  asphaltum.  The  Egyptians,  are  said 
to  have  made  use  of  it,  as  an  ingredient  in  the  process  of  embalming. 
At  the  present  time,  it  is  used  in  the  composition  of  a  particular  kind 
of  paint,  and  when  mixed  with  tar  or  oil,  it  is  used  instead  of  pitch, 
for  coating  the  bottoms  of  vessels. 

Species  9.     MINERAL  COAL. 
Houille,  H.     Black  Coal,  J.  A.  P.     Coal,  C. 
Ext.  Char. — Color,  black,  or  brownish  black  ;  occurs 
massive,  and   slaty  ;  lustre  shining,  often  with  an  irri- 
descent  tarnish,  and  pseudo-metallic   lustre,  which  is 
sometimes,  very  beautiful ;  fracture,  large  conchoidal, 
or  uneven;  yields  to  the  knife,  but  not  to  the  nail ;  ea- 
sily broken ;  opake  ;  sp.  gr.  about  1 .30. 

Chem.  Char.  Most  varieties  of  coal  burn  easily,  and  with  more  or 
less  flame.  When  submitted  to  distillation,  they  yield,  carburetted 
hydrogen,  a  bituminous  oil,  a  quantity  of  mineral  tar,  and  a  portion 
of  ammonia. 

Comp.  From  97  to  40  per  cent,  of  carbon  ;  from  47  to  9  per  cent, 
of  volatile  matter,  and  from  3  to  13  per  cent,  of  ashes4 

There,  are.  several  varieties  of  this  species,  depending  chiefly  on  color 
and  purity. 

Far.  1.     BLACK  COAL. 

Black  Coal.     Coarse  Coal,  P.     Coarse  Coal,  J.  C. 
Ext.  Char. — Color,  black,  often  with  an  irridescent 
tarnish ;  occurs   massive ;  fracture  in  one,  and  some- 
times in  two  directions,    slaty ;  fragments,  after  cleav- 
age, rhombic,  or  cubic ;   cross  fracture,  imperfectly 


292  MINERAL  COAL. 

conchoidal,  or  uneven  ;  sometimes  contains  layers  of 
mineral  carbon  ;  sp.  gr.  1 .15. 

Chern*  Char.  Burns  with  a  bright  flame,  and  much  smoke,  but 
does  not  swell  and  agglutinate. 

Comp.  Carbon  75.28  ;  hydrogen  4  18 ;  azote  15.96  ;  oxygen  4.58. 
—  Thomson. 

Obs.  This  is  the  most  abundant,  and  common  of  all  the  varieties 
of  coal,  and  is  the  principal  fuel  of  many  countries,  particularly  of 
England. 

Var.  2.     CANNEL*  COAL. 

Houille  compacte,  H.     Cannel  Coal,  J.  P.  C.    Candle  Coal,  A. 

Ext.  Char. — Color,  black;  texture  compact;  frac- 
ture, large  conchoidal ;  lustre  glistening,  and  resinous  ; 
hard,  and  brittle  ;  bears  a  fine  polish  ;  sp.  gr.  1.23  to 
1/27. 

Comp.  Carbon  75.2;  bitumen  2168  ;  ashes  3  12. — Kirwan. 

Obs.  It  decrepitates,  when  first  heated,  arid  burns  without  soften- 
ing, with  a  bright  flame,  and  rather  pleasant  odor. 

It  is  sometimes  worked  into  ink-stands,  snuff-boxes,  toys,  &c, 

Local.  Wigan,  and  Whitehaven,  Eng.  Gilmerton,  arid  other 
places,  in  Scotland. 

Obs.  I.  Coal  is  found  chiefly  among  secondary  rocks,  where  it  oc- 
curs in  beds  of  various  extent  and  thickness. 

2.  In  many  instances,  these  beds  lie  one  over  another,  with  earth 
interposed  between  them.     At  Whitehaven.  in  England,  20  distinct 
beds  have  been  explored,  lying  one  above  the  other.     Near  Liege, 
there  are  60  beds,  occurring  in  the  same  manner. 

3.  It  is  a  general  observation,  that  the  layers  of  slate,  which  form 
the  roofs  of  coal  beds,  bear  impressions  of  vegetables,  and  particular- 
ly of  ferns. 

4.  Coal,  is   sometimes  found  in  highly  elevated   situations.     Ac- 
cording to  Brongniart,  it  occurs  on  the  Cordilleras,  in  South  Amer- 
ica, at  the  height  of  more  than   13,000  feet  above  the  level  of  the 
sea. 

5.  The  deepest  coal  mines,  are  said  to  be  those  of  Namar,  one  of 
which  is  2,400  feet  deep. — Pinkerton. 

6.  Coal  mines  are  subject  to  spontaneous  combustion,  probably  in 
consequence  of  the  decomposition  of  the  pyrites,   which  some  coal 
beds  contain  in  abundance.     Some   mines  are  known  to  have  been 
on  fire  for  years,  and  then  to  have  ceased  burning. 

7.  Heaps  of  coal,  when  large,  and  exposed  to  a  small  quantity  of 
moisture,  are  subject  to  the  same  accident. 

8.  The  coal  mine  at  Whitehaven,  England,  is  1200  feet  deep,  and 
extends  more  than  5,000  feet  under  the  sea. 

*  Ccwne/,  is  a  corruption  of  candle.  It  is  sometimes  used  to  give  light,  instead 
of  candles. 


LIGNITE.  293 

The  United  States,  contain  many  coal  formations,  which  have 
been  explored,  more  or  less,  extensively. 

In  Virginia,  at  least  25  shafts  have  been  sunk  for  the  raising  of 
coal,  within  an  extent  of  70  miles.  At  Heth's  mine,  according  to 
Grammer,  the  bed  of  coal  is  50  feet  thick,  and  one  of  the  shafts  is 
350  feet  deep.  The  strata  which  cover  the  coal  are  sandstone,  and 
argillaceous  slate,  often  exhibiting  vegetable  impressions.  Pure 
charcoal,  says  the  same  writer,  in  the  form  of  sticks  or  logs,  is  fre- 
quently associated  with  the  coal. 

In  Ohio,  coal  is  found  in  different  parts  of  the  state.  In  some 
cases,  three  successive  beds  are  found,  separated  from  each  other,  by 
argillaceous  slate,  bearing  vegetable  impressions.  The  bed  nearest 
the  surface,  according  to  Atwater,  burns  well,  agglutinates,  and 
leaves  only  a  small  residuum  ;  that  of  the  second  bed,  is  coarse,  burns 
with  a  flame  less  bright,  and  leaves  a  greater  residuum  ,  while  that  of 
the  third  bed,  though  much  more  abundant,  is  inferior  in  quality. 

In  Pennsylvania,  the  country  watered  by  the  western  branch  of 
the  Susquehannah,  is  chiefly  a  coal  formation.  Indeed,  coal,  in  great- 
er or  less  quantities,  is  supposed  to  underlay  about  one  third  of  this 
state.  At  Pittsburg,  where  it  is  found  on,  or  near  the  surface,  it  is 
pretty  extensively  explored,  as  an  article  of  fuel. 

In  Connecticut,  a  coal  formation,  commencing  at  New  Haven, 
crosses  Connecticut  river  at  Middletown,  and  embracing  a  width  of 
several  miles  on  each  side  of  the  river,  extends  to  some  distance 
above  Northampton,  in  Massachusetts. — Silliman. 

Within  the  above  described  tract  of  country,  coal  has  been  found 
at  Durham,  Middletown,  Chatham,  Hartford,  Farmington,  Windsor, 
Enfield,  and  South  Hadley.  The  quantities  found,  have  been  small, 
and  have  occurred,  sometimes  in  veins,  between  strata  of  clayslate, 
and  sometimes  in  detached  pieces.  That  of  Windsor,  is  a  vein  in 
clayslate,  and  is  about  an  inch  thick  at  the  surface.  A  small  quan- 
tity found  in  Farmington,  is  very  full  of  bitumen,  and  burns  with  a 
bright  blaze,  and  black  smoke. 

Origin  of  Coal. — All  naturalists,  says  Jameson,  are  now  agreed, 
that  the  greater  part  of  coal  is  derived  from  vegetables,  which  have 
been  altered  by  certain  natural  operations,  hitherto  but  imperfectly 
known. 

It  often  happens,  that  charcoal  is  found  with  perfect  mineral  coal. 
In  some  instances,  one  side  of  a  specimen,  will  be  mineral  coal,  and 
the  other  side,  charcoal.  In  several  coal  mines,  the  remains  of  trees, 
either  petrified,  or  partly  penetrated  with  bituminous  matter,  have 
been  discovered.  Indeed,  most  of  the  phenomena  observed,  on  a 
close  examination  of  this  subject,  indicate  the  vegetable  origin  of 
coal. 

Species  Ik     LIGNITE. 
Lignite,  W.  C.     Brown  Coal,  P. 

Ext.  Char. — Color,  brown,  or  brownish  black;  oc- 
curs massive ;  structure  woody ;  burns  with  a  weak 


294  LIGNITE. 

flame,  and  the  odor  of  peat.  The  compact  varieties, 
are  black,  with  a  resinous  lustre,  and  imperfectly  con- 
choidal,  or  uneven  fracture.  The  less  compact  kinds, 
are  brown,  and  without  lustre. 

Chem.  Char.  It  burns  with  flame,  but  does  not  swell  and  aggluti- 
nate like  coal.  The  odor  is  not  bituminous,  but  like  that  of  decay- 
ed vegetation,  and  similar  to  that  of  peat 

Comp.  Carbon  45  ;  water  30  ;  oily  bitumen  10  ;  gases  15. 
There  is,  however,  much  difference  in  the  composition  of  the  several 
varieties. 

Obs.  The  external  characters  of  lignite,  together  with  its  chemi- 
cal properties,  evince  that  it  is  of  vegetable  origin.  Indeed,  the 
branches  of  trees,  but  little  changed,  are  sometimes  found  among  it. 

Lignite ,  admits  of  the  following  varieties. 

Var.   1.       BRITTLE  LIGNITE. 

Moor  Coal,  J.  P.     Brittle  Lignite,  C. 

Ext.  Char. — Color,  brownish  black;  occurs  mas- 
sive ;  surface  always  cracked ;  easily  broken  into  cu- 
bic pieces ;  structure  ligneous. 

Chem.  Char.  It  burns  easily,  but  emits  a  very  disagreeable  odor 
Smiths  cannot  use  it,  in  their  forges. 

Obs.  It  is  found  in  sand  beds,  and  argillaceous  marl.  By  expo- 
sure to  the  air,  it  falls  in  pieces. 

Local.  France,  and  Bohemia. 

Var.  2.     FIBROUS  LIGNITE. 
Bituminous  Wood,  J.  C. 

Ext.  Char. — Color,  brown,  or  clove  brown ;  texture 
and  form,  that  of  wood  ;  longitudinal  fracture,  fibrous ; 
cross  fracture,  uneven,  displaying  the  annual  circles 
of  the  tree  ;  opake ;  brittle,  friable,  and  light. 

Obs.  It  is  easier  to  break,  than  wood  ;  under  the  knife,  it  assumes 
a  kind  of  lustre. — Brongniart. 

Local.  Bovey,  in  England.  Iceland.  Munden,  in  Hanover.  Near 
Paris.  Abundant  in  the  Amber  mines  of  Prussia. 

Obs.  1.  At  Bovey,  Brongniart  says,  there  are  17  thick  beds  of  lig- 
nite, which  are  at  the  depth  of  about  66  feet. 

2.  It  is  very  abundant  in  Iceland.     In  many  instances,  the  trunks 
of  the  trees  are  perfect,  being  merely  compressed  into  an  oval  shape. 

3.  This  variety  passes  by  imperceptible  degrees,  into  those,  which 
are  more  distinctly  carbonaceous.     In  many  instances,  the  several 
varieties  are  found  together,  and  sometimes  the  same  specimen  will 
show  the  brittle  and  fibrous  varieties. 

4.  The  coal,  says  Shaw,  in  the  centre  of  the  lowest  bed,  is  of  a 
black  color,  nearly  as  heavy  as  pit  coal,  makes  a  strong  and  durable 
fire,  and  is  in  all  respects,  a  perfect  mineral  coal.    The  other  beds 


JET.  295 

are  more  of  a  chocolate  color,  not  so  heavy,  and  with  more  of  the 
appearance  of  wood,  consisting  of  pieces  which  lie  crossing  each 
other,  in  all  directions.  Some  pieces  are  found,  which  have  the 
knots  of  wood  in  them,  in  one  part,  while  another  portion  of  the  same 
piece,  is  converted  into  perfect  mineral  coal.  So  that  nature  in  this 
instance,  is  seen  in  the  very  act  of  forming  mineral  coal,  from  vegeta- 
ble matter. — Shaw's  Nature  Displayed,  Vol.  2. 

5.  At  Cape  Sable,  Md.  there  is  a  bed  of  lignite,  from  3  1-2  to  4  feet 
thick,  composed  of  jet,  brittle  lignite,  bituminous  wood,  and  brown 
lignite. —  Troost. 

Var.  3.       EARTHY  LIGNITE. 

Earth  Coal,  J.     Earthy  Lignite,  C. 

Ext.  Char. — Color,  black,  or  brownish  black ;  oc- 
curs massive ;  fracture,  and  aspect,  earthy ;  texture 
fine  grained ;  smooth  to  the  touch ;  somewhat  friable ; 
when  burned,  emits  a  disagreeable  odor.  It  is  nearly 
as  light  as  water. 

Local  Near  Cologne.    Hessia.     Bohemia,  Saxony,  Iceland,  &c. 

O&5.  1.  It  forms  very  extensive  beds  in  the  environs  of  Cologne, 
where  it  is  covered  with  a  bed  of  pebbles,  of  quartz,  and  jasper,  and 
embraces  trunks  of  trees,  of  a  black,  or  reddish  color,  and  compressed 
into  an  oval  shape. — Cleveland. 

2.  This  lignite  is  used  as  fuel ;  also  for  painting  in  distemper,  and 
oil.  The  Dutch  use  it  to  adulterate  their  snuff,  which  is  said  to  give 
it  a  much  esteemed  fineness,  and  softness. 

3  Faujues  observes,  that  the  trunks  of  trees,  which  are  found  in 
beds  of  lignite,  are  always  deprived  of  their  branches,  hence  he  con- 
cludes that  they  have  been  conveyed  by  the  ocean. 

4.  The  same  author  relates,  that  nuts  which  now  belong  only  to 
Hindostan,  and  China,  together  with  a  kind  of  frankincense,  are 
found  in  the  bed  at  Cologne. — See  Pinkertori's  Petrology. 

5.  Authors  agree,   that  lignite  is  an  entirely  different  formation 
from  that  of  coal,  and  that  it  is  in  fact,  a  deposit  of  wood,  which  has 
been  covered  by  earth,  and  in  consequence,  undergone  a  change  by 
which  it  only  approximates  to  coal.     It  is,  however,  most  probable, 
that  in  time,  it  will  be  completely  mineralized  and  converted  into 
coal. 

Species  II.     JET. 
Jayet,  H.     Pitch  Coal,  J.     Jet,  P.  C. 

Ext.  Char. — Color,  jet,  or  pitch  black ;  occurs  in 
masses,  or  thin  layers;  texture  compact;  fracture 
conchoidal,  and  undulated;  lustre  shining;  perfectly 
opake ;  sometimes  the  texture  is  ligneous,  and  the 
specimen  is  in  the  form  of  the  branch  of  a  tree.  It  be- 
comes weakly  electric  by  friction ;  sp.  gr.  1.25. 


296  DYSODILE.       AMBER. 

Chem.  Char.  It  burns  with  a  greenish  flame,  and  emits  a  strong  bi- 
tuminous smell. 

It  is  found  with  coal,  of  the  newest  formation,  and  sometimes  with 
lignite,  and  amber. 

Local.  Various  places  in  England.  Aude,  in  France.  Various 
places  in  Germany.  Silesia,  Hessia,  Italy,  Spain,  and  Prussia. 

O65.  Brongniart  says,  that  jet,  proper  to  be  worked,  is  found  in  mas- 
ses, the  weight  of  which  seldom  exceeds  50  pounds. 

Uses.  It  bears  a  fine  polish,  and  is  worked  into  trinkets,  and  mourn- 
ing ornaments.  In  France,  in  the  Department  of  Aude,  1200  per- 
sons are  employed  in  fabricating  the  jet,  which  is  found  there,  into 
rosaries,  buttons,  ear-rings,  snuff-boxes,  bracelets,  &c. — Journal  dcs 
Mines. 

Species  12.     DYSODILE. 
Dysodile,  Cordier.     Dysodile,  P.  C. 

Ext.  Char. — Color,  greenish  grey,  or  yellowish  ;  oc- 
curs massive ;  structure  compact,  or  laminated,  some- 
times both ;  extremely  fragile ;  gives  an  argillaceous 
odor,  when  breathed  on;sp.  gr-  1.146. 

Chem.  Char.  It  burns  with  flame,  and  gives  an  insupportably  fetid 
odor,  leaving  a  residue  of  about  one  half  its  weight.  Macerated  in 
water,  it  becomes  translucent,  and  its  laminae,  flexible. 

Local.  Near  Syracuse,  in  Sicily,  in  secondary  limestone. 

Species  13.     AMBER. 
Succin,  H.     Amber,  A.  P.  C. 

Ext.  Char. — Colors,  wine  yellow,  greenish,  or  yel- 
lowish white,  or  reddish  brown  ;  occurs  in  nodules,  or 
roundish  masses,  of  various  sizes,  from  grains,  to  that 
of  a  man's  head ;  texture  compact ;  transparent,  or 
translucent ;  fracture  perfectly  conchoidal ;  lustre  re- 
sinous ;  becomes  strongly  electric  by  friction ;  bears  a 
high  polish. 

Chem.  Char.  It  burns  silently,  and  with  little  smoke.  White 
burning,  it  emits  a  bituminous  odor,  which  is  not  unpleasant.  Solu- 
ble in  oils,  when  gently  heated. 

Dist.  Char.  It  resembles  copal,  but  this,  while  burning,  crackles, 
and  emits  an  aromatic  resinous  odor ;  while  amber  burns  silently, 
and  emits  an  odor,  distinctly  bituminous. 

Local  Greenland.  Moravia.  Poland.  France.  Prussia. 

Obs.  It  is  found  among  sand  and  gravel,  accompanied  with  lignite, 
bitumine  and  jet. 

2.  In  Prussia,  a  mine  of  amber  is  explored  to  the  depth  of  more 
than  100  feet.  Under  a  stratum  of  sand  and  clay  20  feet  thick,  there 
succeeds  a  stratum  of  trees  40  or  50  feet  thick.  The  wood  is  partly 
decomposed,  and  is  impregnated  with  pyrites  and  bitumen,  and  is  of 


HATCHETIN.       MELLITE.  297 

a  blackish  brown  color.  Under  the  stratum  of  trees,  and  sometimes 
attached  to  them,  the  amber  is  found  ;  it  is  most  probable  therefore 
that  it  has  proceeded  from  the  vegetable  juices. — Phillips. 

The  amber  pits  of  Prussia,  are  said  to  afford  the  King,  a  revenue 
of  26,000  dollars,  annually .—Parkes. 

U.  S.  At  Cape  Sable,  in  Ann-Arundel  County,  Md.  It  occurs  in 
a  bed  of  lignite,  and  is  found  in  grains,  or  masses,  sometimes  4  or  5 
inches  in  diameter. —  Troost.  Cleveland.  Near  Trenton,  N.  J.  and 
Camden,  opposite  to  Philadelphia.  At  the  latter  place,  a  transparent 
specimen  was  found,  several  inches  in  diameter. —  Woodbridge.  That 
found  near  Trenton,  occurs  in  small  grains,  and  rests  on  lignite,  or 
carbonated  wood,  or  e\en  penetrates  it. 

Uses.  It  is  cut  into  articles  of  ornament  and  dress,  as  ear  rings, 
bracelets,  beads,  amulets,  &-c.  It  bears  a  high  polish,  and  was  an- 
ciently considered  the  most  precious  of  jewels.  The  greatest  quan- 
tity at  present  is  purchased  by  the  Armenian,  and  Grecian  mer- 
chants.—Jameson. 

Obs.  It  often  contains  insects  of  various  species,  in  a  state  of  com- 
plete preservation.  These  are  sometimes  introduced  by  art,  in  order 
to  increase  the  value  of  the  specimen. 

2.  There  is  no  doubt  but  gum  copal  is  often  sold  for  amber,  as  when 
cut  and  polished,  the  pale  varieties  of  amber  cannot  easily  be  distin- 
guished  from  copal.  By  attending  attentively  to  the  distinctive  char- 
acters above  pointed  out,  the  two  substances  may  readily  be  distin- 
guished. 

Species  13.  HATCHETINE.* 
Hatchetine,  Conybeare.     Hatchetine,  C.  M. 
Ext.  Char. — Colors,  yellowish  white,  wax  yellow,  or 
greenish  yellow ;  occurs  in  flakes  like  spermaceti,  or 
in  grains,  like  broken   bees-wax ;    lustre  of  the  flaky 
kind,  pearly ;  of  the  granular,  dull,  and    opake  ;  pos- 
sesses neither  odor,  nor  elasticity;  hardness,  equal  to 
soft  tallow  ;  melts  in  hot  water,  below  170  deg.;  very 
light ;  soluble  in  ether. 

Chem.  Char.  When  distilled  over  the  naked  flame  of  the  spirit 
lamp,  it  assumes  the  bituminous  smell,  and  yields  a  butyraceous  sub- 
stance, of  a  greenish  yellow  color. 

Local  South  Wales ;  where  it  is  found  in  small  veins,  in  iron- 
stone. 

Obs.  Its  discover,  the  Rev.  Mr.  Conybeare,  considers  it  a  new  sub- 
stance, and  as  distinct  from  petroleum,  or  elastic  bitumen. 

Species  14.  MELLITE.  HONEV-STONE.t 
Ext.  Char. — Color,  various  shades  of  honey  yellow ; 
occurs  granular,  and  crystallized  in  the  form  of  an  ob- 

*  After  Chas.  Hatched,  F.  R.  S. 
t  In  allusion  to  its  color. 
38 


298  RETINASPHALT.       FOSSIL  COPAL. 

tuse  octohedron,  of  which  the  common  base  of  the  two 
pyramids  is  square  ;  cleavage  parallel  to  all  the  planes 
of  the  octohedron;  surface,  not  brilliant;  cross  frac- 
ture, conchoidal ;  translucent ;  softer  than  amber ;  sp. 
gr.  1.6. 

Chem-  Char.  Before  the  blowpipe,  it  becomes  opake  and  white, 
with  black  spots,  and  is  finally  reduced  to  ashes.  When  burned  in 
the  open  air,  neither  smoke,  nor  flame  is  observed,  and  it  acquires  an 
appearance  like  chalk. 

Comp    Mellitic  acid  and  water  84  ;  alumine  16. — Klaproth. 

Local. — District  of  Saol,  Switzerland,  only,  in  bituminous  wood. 

Species  15.  RETINASPHALT. 

Retinasphalt,  Hatchett. 

Ext. Char. — Color,  brownish  yellow;  occurs  in  ir- 
regular opake  masses ;  lustre  glistening  ;  fracture  im- 
perfectly conchoidal ;  brittle,  and  soft ;  a  little  heavier 
than  water. 

Chem  Char.  When  placed  on  hot  iron,  it  melts,  smokes,  and  burns 
with  a  bright  flame,  giving  out  a  fragrant  odor. — Phillips. 

Comp.  Resin  55  ;  asphaltum  42  ;  earth  3. — Hatchett. 

Local.  Bowery  Tracy,  in  Devonshire,  adhering  to  brown  coal,  in 
layers  about  a  line  in  thickness. 

Species  16.  FOSSIL  COPAL. 
Fossil  Copal,  P.     Highgate  Resin,  A. 

Ext.  Char. — Color,  yellowish,  or  brownish  ;  occurs 
in  irregular  pieces ;  somewhat  translucent ;  lustre  res- 
inous ;  brittle ;  yields  easily  to  the  knife  ;  sp.  gr.  1.046. 

Chem.  Char.  Melts  into  a  limpid  fluid  ;  burns  with  a  clear  yellow 
flame  and  much  smoke,  like  other  resins. 

Local.  Highgate  Hill,  near  London,  in  abed  of  blue  clay.  Also 
Wolchow,  in  Moravia. 


APPENDIX. 

Some  of  the  following  named  minerals,  are  new,  and  their  characters. 

doubtful ;  others  are  imperfectly  described ;    others  have  not  been 

analyzed,  and  others  came  to  the  knowledge  of  the  writer,   too 

late  to  be  inserted  in  their  proper  places. 

Species  1.    ARFWEDSONITE. 
Arfvedsonite, — Brooke,  M.     Arfwedsonite,  P. 

Ext.  Char. — Color,  black,  without  any  perceptible 
shade  of  green  ;  occurs  in  crystalline  shapes,  but  not  in 
regular  crystals;  cleavage  parallel  to  the  planes  of  a 
rhombic  prism,  an  angle  of  which,  measures  12.3  deg. 
55  min. ;  planes  of  cleavage,  brilliant ;  not  so  hard  as 
hornblende. 

Chem.  Char.  Fusible  with  ease,  into  a  black  globule  ;  with  borax, 
gives  a  glass,  colored  by  iron  ;  with  salt  of  phosphorus,  a  globule, 
which  becomes  colorless  on  cooling,  leaving  a  skeleton  of  silex  on 
the  charcoal. 

Dist.  Char.  It  differs  from  hornblende,  in  being  a  pure  black,  in- 
stead of  greenish ;  and  also  in  the  quantity  of  its  angles.  On  these 
accounts,  it  has  separated  from  hornblende,  of  which  it  was  consider- 
ed a  variety. 

Local.  Greenland,  where  it  is  associated  with  sodalite,  and  horn- 
blende. 

Species  2.   BABINGTONITE. 
Babingtonite, — Levy,  Ann.  Phil.  vol.  XL. 

Ext.  Char. — Color,  black,  often  greenish ;  occurs  in 
short,  eight-sided  prismatic  crystals ;  cleavage  dis- 
tinct in  two  directions ;  fracture,  imperfect  conchoi- 
dal ;  translucent,  or  in  larger  crystals,  opake ;  hard- 
ness, nearly  that  of  felspar. 

Comp.  Silex,  iron,  manganese,  and  lime,  with  a  trace  of  titanium. 
— Children. 

It  occurs  at  Arendal,  in  Norway,  in  small  crystals,  disposed  on  the 
surface  of  crystals  of  albite. 

Species  3.    BARYTO-CALCITE. 

Baryto-Calcite, — Brooke,  Ann.  Phil.  Vol.  XLIV.     Hemi-prismatic 

Hal-Baryte,  M. 
Ext.'  Char. — Colors,  white,  greyish,   yellowish,  or 


300  APPENDIX. 

greenish ;  occurs  massive,  and  in  eight-sided  prismat- 
ic crystals,  terminated  obtusely  ;  cleavage,  more  or 
less  perfect,  in  two  directions  ;  fracture  uneven,  im- 
perfect conchoidal ;  certain  faces  of  the  cleavage,  stri- 
ated ;  lustre,  vitreous,  inclining  to  resinous;  translu- 
cent, or  transparent ;  yields  to  the  knife  ;  sp  gr.  3-06. 

Chem.  Char.  Infusible  alone ;  with  borax,  gives  a  clear  glass. 
Comp.  Carbonate  of  barytes  65.9  ;  carbonate  of  lime  33.6. — Chil- 
dren. 

Local.  It  is  found  at  Marston-Moor,  in  Cumberland,  Eng. 

Species  4.  BERGMANITE. 

Bergmanite,  J.  C.  M. 

Ext.  Char. — Color,  several  tints  of  grey,  passing  in- 
to white,  and  brick  red ;  occurs  massive  ;  fracture 
uneven ;  texture  fine  grained  ;  lustre  pearly  ;  appears 
like  a  mixture  of  several  earthy  substances  ;  scratches 
glass,  and  even  quartz  ;  sp.  gr.  2.3. 

Chem  Char.  Becomes  white,  and  melts  without  effervescence  into  a 
colorless  glass. 

Local.  Near  Stavern,  in  Norway,  with  felspar,  and  quartz. 
Obs.  It  is  considered  a  variety  of  Wernerite. 

Species  5.    BLOEDITE. 

Bloedite,  M. 

Ext.Char. — Color, between  flesh  red, and  brick  red; 
occurs  massive ;  structure  thin  columnar ;  fracture 
uneven,  splintery ;  translucent ;  becomes  white,  and 
opake,  by  decomposition ;  lustre  faintly  vitreous  ;  soft. 

Comp.  Sulphate  of  manganese   36.66 ;  sulphate  of  Soda  33.34 ; 
protosulphate  of  manganese  0.33 ;  muriate  of  soda  22 ;  water  0.34. 
— John. 
Local  Upper  Austria,  with  gypsum,  and  polyhalite. 

Species  6.  BREWSTERITE. 
Brewsterite, — Brooke.  P.     Kouphone-Spar,  M. 
Ext.  Char. — Color,  white,  inclining  to  grey,  and  yel- 
low ;  occurs  in  small  prismatic  crystals,  generally  ter- 
minated by  two  planes  ;  cleavage,  perfect  in  one  direc- 
tion, and  imperfect  in  another ;  translucent,  transpa- 
rent ;  lustre  vitreous,  or  pearly ;    yields  to  the  knife  ; 
sp.  gr.  2.12  to  2.20. 

Chem.  Char.  Loses  its  water — becomes  opake,,  then  froths,  and 
swells,  but  does  not  melt. 


APPENDIX.  301 

Local  It  is  found  in  crystals,  and  crystalline  coats,  at  Strontian, 
in  Scotland. 

O65.  It  was  formerly  considered,  as  a  variety  of  apophylite. 

Species  7.  BROOKITE. 
Brookite. — Levy.    Ann.  Phil.  Feb.  1825. 
Ext.  Char. — Color,    hair  brown,  passing  into  deep 
orange  yellow ;  streak  yellowish  white  ;  occurs  in  short 
prismatic  crystals ;  lustre  adamantine  ;  brittle  ;  yields 
to  the  knife. 

Obs.  It  contains  titanium,  but  has  not  been  analyzed.  Fine  crys- 
tals of  this  substance,  have  lately  been  found  at  Snowdon,  in  Wales. 

Species  S.  BUCRLANDITE— Levy.  Ann.  Phil.  Feb.  1824. 
Bucklandrte,  M. 

Ext.  Char. — Color,  dark  brown,  approaching  black ; 
occurs  in  six-sided  prismatic  crystals,  terminated  by 
two  principal  faces ;  cleavage  not  observable  ;  opake ; 
scratches  glass ;  resembles  augite. 

Local.  Near  Arendal  in  Norway,  with  felspar,  and  carbonate  of 
lime. 

Species  9.  BROCHANTITE. 

Brochantite. — Levy.  Ann.  Phil.  Oct.  1824.      Brochanite,  M. 

Ext.  Char. — Color,  emerald  green  ;  occurs  in  hexa- 
hedral  prisms,  with  modified  pyramidal  terminations ; 
one  face  of  the  pyramid,  blackish  and  dull,  the  others, 
smooth  and  shining ;  traces  of  cleavage,  parallel  to 
the  dull  face ;  transparent ;  yields  easily  to  the  knife. 

Comp.  According  to  the  experiments  of  Mr.  Children,  it  consists  of 
sulphuric  acid,  and  oxide  of  copper,  with,  perhaps,  a  quantity  of  alu- 
mine,  or  silex.  It  is  insoluble  in  water. 

Species  10.  CH1ASTOLITE*     MACLE. 

Chiastolite,  J.  A.  P.     Made,  H. 

Ext.  Char. — Colors,  of  the  exterior,  white,  greyish, 
or  yellowish  white ;  of  the  interior,  black,  or  bluish 
black ;  occurs  in  crystals  only ;  form,  four-sided 
prisms,  which  appear  square,  but  are  slightly  rhombic  ; 
each  crystal,  when  broken  across,  exhibits  another 
crystal,  running  through  its  axis,  whose  sides  corres- 
pond with  those  of  the  exterior ;  sometimes,  from  the 

*  From  the  Greek,  in  allusion  to  the  form  of  X,  on  the  end  of  the  crystals 


302  APPENDIX. 

angles  of  the  inner  crystal,  there  runs  a  small  black, 
or  bluish  line,  which  reaches  the  corresponding  angle 
of  the  outer  crystal,  or  crust,  thus  forming  four  lines  of 
the  color  of  the  inner  square,  reaching  to  each  corner 
of  the  outer  one,  and  dividing  it  diagonally  into  four 
parts.  In  some  crystals,  at  each  corner,  and  just  un- 
der the  surface  of  the  external  rhomb,  there  is  also  a 
small  black  crystal,  which  is  joined  by  the  line  run- 
ning from  the  central  square,  or  rhomb ;  so  that  the 
crystal  consists  of  five  rhombic  prisms,  of  a  black  col- 
or, one  in  the  middle,  and  one  at  each  corner,  embed- 
ded in  a  greyish  white  substance,  the  whole  appear- 
ing externally,  as  one  square,  or  slightly  rhombic 
prism ;  structure  lamellar ;  scratches  glass  ;  crystals 
often  several  inches  long,  and  perfectly  straight  ;  sp. 
gr.2.94. 


Fig.  1.  Represents  the  dark  lines,  running  from  each  angle  of  the 
central  prism,  to  the  several  angles  of  the  exterior  one. 

Fig.  2.  The  same,  with  the  addition  of  a  small  prism,  at  each 
corner  of  the  external  prism. 

Chem.  Char.  Infusible  alone  ;  but  melts  with  borax,  into  a  trans- 
parent glass. 

It  is  found  embedded  in  clay-slate,  and  sometimes  in  mica-slate. 

Local.  Portugal,  Britanny,  in  the  Pyreunees,  Spain.  On  the  Skid- 
daw  Mountain,  in  Cumberland,  and  in  several  other  places  in  England. 

V.  S.  Sterling,  Mass,  in  abundance,  in  a  dark,  bluish  argillite. 
Bellows  Falls,  Croyden,  Cornish,  Charlestown,  Langdon,  and  Al- 
atead,  N.  H.  Brunswick,  and  Georgetown,  Maine. — Hall. 

Species  11.  CHLOROPAL, 
Chloropal, — Brandes,  P.  M. 

Ext.  Char. — Color,  pistachio  green ;  occurs  massive ; 
fracture  conchoidal,  or  earthy;  translucent  on  the 
edges,  or  opake ;  hardness  about  equal  to  that  of  fluor ; 
brittle ;  sp.  gr.  from  1.7,  to  2. 

Comp.  Silex  46  ;  oxide  of  iron  35.30  ;  manganese  2 ;  alumine  1 ; 
water  18  ;  potash  a  trace. — Brandes. 

Obs.  This  substance,  is  remarkable  for  a  very  singular  magnetic 
property.  When  taken  from  its  original  repositories,  it  breaks  pretty 
readily  into  a  kind  of  parallelepipeds,  the  upper  end,  and  two  adjoin- 


APPENDIX.  303 

ing  lateral  edges,  having  the  opposite  magnetic  poles,  from  the  other 
two  edges,  and  the  lower  end.     It  is  not  phosphorescent. — Mohs. 
Local.  Hungary,  associated  with  opal. 

Species  12.  COBALTIC  GALENA. 
Cobaltic  Galena,  or  Cobaltic  Lead-Glance,  J.  M. 

Ext.  Char. — Color,  lead  grey,  inclining  to  blue  ;  oc- 
curs massive,  and  in  very  small  moss-like  grouped  crys- 
tals; lustre  metallic,  and  when  recently  fractured, 
splendent ;  opake ;  soft ;  sectile  ;  soils  the  fingers  a 
little ;  sp.  gr.  8.44. 

Chem.  Char.  Reducible  on  charcoal  to  metallic  lead,  attended 
with  the  arsenical  odor ;  with  borax,  gives  a  blue  bead. 

Comp.  Lead  62.89;  arsenic  22.47 ;  sulphur  0.47  ;  iron  2.11;  co- 
balt 0.94  ;  arsenical  pyrites  1.44 — Du  Menil. 

Local  Near  Clausthal,  in  the  Hartz,  in  a  vein  of  clay-slate,  and 
brown  spar,  traversing  grey-wacke. 

Species  13.   CHLOROPH^EITE .* 

Chlorophaeite, — Mac  Culluch,  M. 

Ext.  Char. — Color,  when  newly  broken,  pistachio 
green,  passing  into  muddy  green  ;  transparent ;  turns 
dark  after  a  few  hours  exposure,  and  soon  becomes 
quite  black ;  occurs  in  small  nodules ;  fracture,  when 
transparent,  conchoidal ;  when  dull,  earthy  or  granu- 
lar ;  soft,  scratched  by  a  quill ;  brittle ;  sp.  gr.  2. 

Chem.  Char.  Before  the  blowpipe,  it  is  entirely  refractory,  neither 
crackling,  nor  changing  color,  or  transparency.  With  muriatic  acid, 
it  shows  indications  of  iron. 

Comp.  It  appears  to  be  composed,  chiefly  of  silex,  with  proportions 
of  iron,  and  alumine. 

Local.  The  Isle  of  Rum,  and  Fife,  in  Scotland.  It  occurs  in 
amygdaloid,  or  black  indurated  clay-stone,  generally  in  round  nodules, 
from  the  size  of  a  raddish  seed,  to  that  of  a  pea,  and  upwards. 

U.  8.  ChlorophaBite,  has  been  discovered  in  this  country,  in  Gill, 
Mass,  by  Prof.  Hitchcock.  It  occurs  in  trap  rock,  near  Turner's 
Falls. 

Species  14.     COMPTONITE.t 
Comptonite,  Brewster.  P.  C. 

Ext.  Char. — Color,  white,  or  whitish  ;  occurs  in  small 
crystals  ;  transparent,  or  translucent ;  primary  form, 
the  right  rectangular  prism  ;  secondary  forms  the  six- 
sided  prism,  or  table,  with  obtuse  terminations ;  cleaves 

*  From  the  Greek,  iu  allusion  to  its  appearing  green,  when  newly  broken. 
t  In  honor  of  Lord  Compton. 


304  APPENDIX. 

in  two  directions ;   fracture  small  conchoidal,  uneven  ; 
lustre  vitreous  ;  yields  easily  to  the  knife. 

Chem.  Char.  Before  the  blowpipe,  it  first  gives  off  water,  intumes- 
ces  a  little,  and  becomes  opake,  then  it  melts  imperfectly  into  a  vesi- 
cular glass.  The  globule  obtained  with  borax,  is  transparent,  but 
vesicular  ;  that  with  salt  of  phosphorus,  contains  a  skeleton  of  silica, 
and  becomes  opake  on  cooling.  With  a  little  soda,  it  melts  imper- 
fectly, but  with  a  larger  quantity,  it  becomes  infusible  — Mohs.  If 
exposed  in  the  state  of  powder  to  the  action  of  nitric  acid,  it  forms  a 
gelatine. — Brewster. 

Obs.  It  appears  to  belong  to  the  zeolite  family. 

Local.  It  has  hitherto  been  found  only  at  Mount  Vesuvius,  lining 
the  cavities  of  an  amygdaloidal  rock. 

.t;y  .  Species  15.     COUZERANITE. 

Couzeranite,  Leonhard.  P. 

Ext.  Char. — Color,  indigo  blue,  passing  into  greyish 
black ;  occurs  in  rectangular  prisms,  of  which  the  lat- 
eral edges  are  sometimes  replaced  by  planes,  occa- 
sionally so  deep,  as  to  impart  to  the  crystal,  the  form 
of  a  rhombic  prism,  having  two  of  its  lateral  edges 
replaced  ;  opake,  or  in  thin  portions,  translucent ;  lus- 
tre shining  ;  crystals  fasciculated,  rarely  single  ;  soft ; 
scratched  by  apatite. 

Chem.  Char.  Infusible.  Becomes  softer  in  acids,  but  is  insolu- 
ble. 

Local  It  occurs  in  the  country,  heretofore  called,  Des  Couzerans, 
in  steep  defiles  of  Saleix,  particularly  on  the  sides  of  the  road  to  Port 
d'  Aulus.—  Phillips, 

Species  16.     FUCITE. 

Fucit,  Schumacher. 

Ext.  Char. — Colors,  greyish,  or  greenish  black ;  oc- 
curs in  four,  or  six-sided  prisms,  which  yield  to  me- 
chanical division,  parallel  to  the  lateral  planes  of  a 
rhombic  prism,  of  about  87  deg.  and  93  deg. ;  opake ; 
soft ;  sp .  gr.  2.5.  to  3, 

Chem.  Char.  Infusible,  but  becomes  shining,  and  enamel  like. 

Obs.  Phillips,  thinks  it  may  prove  to  be  a  variety  of  augite.  It  is 
said  to  resemble  pinite. 

Local  Near  Arendal,  in  Norway,  in  rolled  masses  of  granular 
quartz. 

Species  17.     FORESTERITE. 
Foresterite,  Levy.    Ann.  Phil.  Vol.  XXXVII. 

Ext.  Char. — Color,  white,  or  colorless;  occurs  in 


APPENDIX.  305 


small  prismatic  crystals,  with  obtuse  terminations,  re- 
sembling those  of  strontian ;  transparent,  or  translu- 
cent ;  lustre  brilliant  ;  cleaves  in  one  direction ;  an- 
gles agree  nearly,  with  those  of  prismatic  corundum ; 
scratches  quartz. 

Comp.  According  to  Children,  it  is  composed  of  silex  and  mag- 
nesia. 

Local  Mount  Vesuvius,  where  it  was  discovered  by  Levy,  associ- 
ated with  pleonaste,  and  augite. 

Species  17     GMELINITE  * 

Sarcolite,  Vauquelin.     Hydrolite,  De  Dree.    Gmelinite,  Brewster.  M. 

Ext.  Char. — Color,  white,  passing  into  flesh  red  ;  oc- 
curs in  very  short  six-sided  prisms,  terminated  by 
low  six-sided  pyramids,  with  truncated  summits ;  the 
figure  differs  from  a  dodecahedron,  with  isoceles,  tri- 
angular faces,  only  in  having  a  short  prism  between  the 
pyramids ;  and  in  the  truncation  of  their  summits ;  sur- 
face streaked ;  cleavage  distinct  in  one  direction ;  lus- 
tre vitreous  ;  translucent ;  yields  easily  to  the  knife ; 
sp.  gr.  2.05. 

Chem.  Char.  When  held  in  the  ftame  of  a  candle,  it  flies  off  in  nu- 
merous scales. 

Comp.  Silex  50  ;  alumine  20 ;  lime  4.5  ;  soda  4.5  ;  water  21.-— 
Vauquelin. 

Obs.  This  mineral  appears  to  be  a  variety  of  analcime.  Accord- 
ing to  Mohs,  Gmelinite  has  no  connection  with  the  sarcolite  of  Vau- 
quelin, or  the  hydrolite  of  De  Dree,  though  by  some,  it  has  been  con- 
sidered the  same  mineral. 

Local.  Glen  arm,  in  the  County  of  Antrim,  in  Ireland,  in  amygda- 
loid. 

Species  18.    HISINGERITE.t 
Hisingerit,  Berzelius.     Hisingerite,  P.  M. 

Ext.  Char. — Color,  black ;  occurs  massive ;  cleav- 
age distinct  in  one  direction  ;  fracture  earthy  5  streak 
greenish  grey ;  soft ;  sectile ;  sp.  gr.  3. 

Chem.  Char.  Becomes  magnetic,  when  gently  heated.  Fusible 
into  a  dull,  opake,  black  globule.  With  borax,  yields  a  yellowish 
green  glass. 

Comp.  Oxide  of  iron  51.50  ;  silex  27.50  ;  alumine  5.50  ;  oxide  of 

*  In  honor  of  the  celebrated  Gmelio. 
t  In  honor  of  the  chemist,  Hisinger 
39 


306  APPENDIX. 

manganese  0.77  ;  volatile  matter  11.75  ;  magnesia,  a  trace. — Berze- 
tins. 

Local.  Sudermanland,  with  rhomb  spar. 

Species  19.     HOPEITE  .* 
Hopeite,  Brewster.  Trans.  Roy.  Soc.  Vol.  X. 
Ext.  Char. — Color,    greyish   white  ;    streak  white  ; 
occurs  in  prismatic  crystals,  with  pyramidal  termina- 
tions ;  lustre  vitreous,  or  pearly ;  transparent  or  trans- 
lucent; cleavage  perfect  in  one  direction,  and  less  so 
in  another  ;  one  of  the  prismatic  faces  deeply  striated, 
the  others  smooth  ;    very  soft;  sectile;  sp.  gr.  2.75. 

Chem..  Char.  Fusible,  with  borax,  into  a  transparent  glass.  Alone, 
it  gives  off  water  before  the  blowpipe,  and  then  melts  into  a  transpa- 
rent globule,  which  tinges  the  flame  green.  With  salt  of  phosphorus, 
it  gives  no  skeleton  of  silex  ;  but  melts  with  it  in  all  proportions. 
With  solution  of  cobalt,  it  forms  a  fine  blue  glass. 

Comp.  Hopeite,  therefore,  seems  to  be  a  compound  of  some  of  the 
stronger  acids,  as  phosphoric,  or  boracic  acid  ;  of  zinc  ;  an  earthy 
base  ;  a  little  cadmium,  and  a  great  deal  of  water. — Mohs. 

rV.^       Species  20.     HUMITE.t 

Humite,  Bournon.     Humite,  P.  M. 

Ext.  Char. — Color,  various  shades  of  yellow  or  yel- 
lowish white,  passing  into  reddish  hrown  ;  occurs  in 
small  prismatic  crystals,  modified,  by  a  great  number 
of  transverse,  or  oblique  planes  ;  primary  form,  a  right 
rhombic  prism  of  60  deg.  and  120  deg. ;  fracture  im- 
perfect conchoidal ;  lustre  vitreous ;  transparent,  or 
translucent ;  brittle ;  harder  than  felspar. 

Chem.  Char.  Alone,  it  is  infusible,  but  becomes  opake  on  the  out- 
side ;  with  borax,  it  gives  a  clear  glass. 
Local.  Mount  Somma,  with  brownish  mica. 

Species  21.     HUMBOLDITE. 

Humboldite,  Levy.  Ann.  Phil.  Feb.  1823.     Humboldite,  P.  M. 

Ext.  Char. — Color,  yellowish,  and  translucent,  or 
colorless  and  transparent,  sometimes  nearly  opake ; 
occurs  in  small  crystals  of  a  rhombic  form,  often, 
variously  and  peculiarly  modified  ;  primitive  form,  the 
oblique  rhombic  prism ;  traces  of  cleavage  parallel  to 
the  shorter  diagonal  of  the  prism  ;  crystals  irregularly 

*  In  honor  of  Dr.  Hope, 
t  In  honor  of  Sir  Abraham  Hume. 


APPENDIX. 


307 


aggregated,  and  seldom  separate ;  scratches  fluor,  but 
not  glass. 

Comp.  According  to  the  experiments  of  Dr.  Wollaston,  it  consists 
of  nearly  the  same  constituents,  as  borate  of  lime. 

Local.  It  has  been  lately  discovered,  associated  with  calcareous 
spar  and  apophylite,  in  trap  rocks,  near  Sonthofen,  in  the  Tyrol. 

Species  22     HYALOSIDERITE. 
Hyalosiderite,  Edin.  Jour,  of  Science,  Vol.  I. 
Ext.  Char. — Color,   reddish,  or    yellowish  brown  ^ 
surface  tarnished  brass,  or  gold  yellow  ;  occurs  in  six- 
sided  prisms,  terminated  by  six-sided  pyramids  ;  lustre 
vitreous,  on  the  surface,  metallic ;   cleavage  indistinct ; 
streak  cinnamon  color ;     translucent  on  the  edges ; 
yields  to  the  knife  ;  sp.  gr.  2.87. 

Chem.  Char.  Becomes  black,  and  melts  into  a  dark  magnetic  glo- 
bule. 

Comp.  Silex  31  63;  protoxide  of  iron  29.71  ;  magnesia  32.40; 
alumine  2.21 ;  oxide  of  manganese  0.48;  potash  2.78;  chrome,  a 
trace. — Walchner. 

Local.  Near  Sasbach,  in  Brisgau,  in  a  brown  basaltic  amygda- 
loid. 

r    Species  23.     KUPFERINDIG. 

Kupferindig,  Breithaupt.  M. 

Ext.  Char. — Color,  indigo  blue,  inclining  to  blackish 
blue ;  occurs  massive,  in  plates,  and  in  implanted 
spheroidal  shapes,  with  a  crystalline  surface  ;  fracture, 
flat  conchoidal,  uneven;  texture  compact;  opake; 
lustre  resinous  ;  not  very  soft ;  yields  to  the  knife  ;  sp. 
gr.  3.80. 

Chem.  Char.  Burns  with  a  bluish  flame,  before  it  becomes  red  hot; 
and  melts  into  a  globule  which  is  strongly  agitated,  and  emits  sparks  ; 
finally,  it  yields  a  button  of  copper. 

Local  Sangerhausen,  in  Thuringia. 

Species  24.     LEVYNE.* 
Levyne,  Brewster.  Ed.  Jour,  of  Science,  Vol.  II. 
Ext.  Char. — Color,  white ;    streak  unchanged  ;  oc- 
curs in  rhomboidal  crystals,  of  which  the  angles  meas- 
ure 136  deg.  1  min.,  i!7deg.   24  min.  and  109  deg.   13 
min. ;  cleavage  indistinct ;  fracture  imperfect  conchoi- 
dal ;  lustre  vitreous  ;  brittle ;   soft ;    semi-transparent. 
Chem.  Char.  With  salt  of  phosphorus,  it  yields  a  transparent  skele- 

*  In  honor  of  Mr.  Levy. 


308  APPENDIX. 

ton  of  silex,  which   becomes  opake  on  cooling.    When  heated  in  a 
glass  tube,  it  gives  off  water,  and  becomes  opake.  On  charcoal  alone, 
it  swells  a  little,  but  does  not  melt. 
Local.  Dalsnypen,  in  Faroe. 

Species  25.  ICE-SPAR.* 
Eis-path,  W.     Ice-spar,  P.  M. 

Ext.  Char. — Color,  greyish,  or  yellowish  white  ;  oc- 
curs massive,  and  in  flattish  crystals,  of  which  the 
primitive  differs  little  from  a  right  rhombic  prism ;  ex- 
ternal form,  small,  thin,  six-sided  tables,  the  broader 
planes  of  which  are  striated,  and  the  opposite  narrow 
faces  bevelled  ;  lustre  shining ;  transparent ;  structure 
imperfectly  foliated  ;  very  brittle  ;  scratches  glass. 

Ch'Tn.  Char.  Becomes  vitreous,  translucent,  and  white,  and  fuses 
with  difficulty  on  the  edges,  into  a  blebby  glass ;  with  borax  gives  a 
diaphanous  glass. 

Local.  Mount  Somma,  near  Naples,  with  nepheline,  meionite  and 
mica. 

Obs.  It  is  considered  a  variety  of  felspar. 

Species  26.  KNEBELITE.t 
Knebelite,  P.  M. 

Ext.  Char. — Colors,  grey,  white,  brownish  red, 
green,  and  brown,  often  spotted  ;  occurs  massive,  with 
an  uneven,  and  cellular  surface ;  lustre  glistening ; 
fracture  imperfectly  conchoidal ;  opake;  hard;  brit- 
tle. sp.gr.  3.71. 

Comp.  Silex.  32.5  ;  protoxide  of  iron  32  ;  protoxide  of  manganese 
35. — Dobereiner. 

Obs.  No  locality  of  this  mineral  is  given. 

Species  27.  KONILITE  f 
Konilite,  Dr.  Mac  Cullock,  P. 

Ext.  Char. — Color  white;  occurs  in  the  form  of  a 
loose  powder,  somewhat  coarser  than  the  silex  obtain- 
ed from  silicated  alkalies ;  it  is  gritty  between  the 
teeth,  but  not  so  hard  as  to  scratch  glass. 

Chem.  Char.  Very  easily  fusible  into  a  transparent  colorless  glass. 
Muriatic  acid,  dissolved  a  small  quantity  of  it,  but  what  remained  was 
still  fusible. 

Comp.  On  attempting  to  analyze  a  small  quantity,  Dr.  Mac  Cullock 
found  that  it  consisted  chiefly  of  silex. 

*  From  its  resemblance  to  ice,  and  its  brittleness. 
t  After  Majfp  Von  Knebal. 
From  the  Greek,  in  allusion  to  its  form  of  a  powder. 


APPENDIX.  309 

Obs.  Dr.  Mac  Cullock  observes,  that  it  is  difficult  to  account  for 
the  great  fusibility  of  this  mineral,  unless  it  should  contain  a  portion 
of  some  new  alkali, as  it  was  found  not  to  contain  any  of  the  common 
alkalies,  boracic  acid,  nor  any  trace  of  metallic  matter. 

Species  28.  LIGURIT E.* 

Ligurite,  Leonhard,  P.  M. 

Ext.  Char. — Color,  apple  green,  sometimes  speck- 
led externally ;  occurs  in  oblique  rhombic  prisms  of 
140  deg.  and  40  deg,  occasionally  modified  by  trunca- 
tion ;  fracture  uneven ;  lustre  vitreous ;  powder,  and 
streak,  greyish  white ;  translucent,  or  transparent ;  not 
electric  by  heat,  or  friction  ;  does  not  phosphoresce  on 
live  coals ;  hardness,  about  that  of  quartz ;  sp.  gr.  3.49. 

Comp.  Silex  57.45  ;  alumine  7.36  ;  lime  25.30  ;  magnesia  2.56  ; 
oxide  of  iron  3.00  ;  oxide  of  manganese  0.50. —  Viviani. 

Obs.  According  to  Leonhard,  it  is  considered  as  a  gem  in  respect 
to  hardness,  transparency,  and  color. 

Local  On  the  banks  of  the  Stura  in  the  Appenines,  in  a  talcose 
rock. 

Species  29.  MARGARITE. 

Margarite  Fuchs,  P.      Rhomboidal  Pearl-Mica,  J.     Rhombohedral 
Pearl-Mica,  M. 

Ext.  Char. — Color,  pale  pearl-grey,  passing  into  red- 
dish, and  yellowish  white  ;  occurs  in  small  crystalline 
lamina?,  intersecting  each  other  in  various  directions ; 
cleavage  perfect  in  one  direction ;  lustre  pearly  on 
one  of  the  faces,  and  vitreous  on  the  others  ;  brittle ; 
soft ;  sp.  gr.  about  3. 

Comp.  Silex  37  ;  alumine  40.50 ;  oxide  of  iron  4.50 ;  lime  8.96  ; 
soda  1.24  ;  water  1. — Du  Menil. 
Local  Sterzing,  in  the  Tyrol,  in  foliated  chlorite. 

Sjpecies  30.  MELLILITE.f 

Mellilite  J.  P.  M. 

Ext.  Char. — Color,  yellow,  honey  or  orange  yellow ; 
occurs  in  small  square  prisms,  with  the  lateral  edges 
truncated  ;  opake  ;  gives  sparks  with  steel ;  crystals 
usually  coated  externally,  with  brown  oxide  of  iron. 

Chem.  Char.  Fusible,  without  ebullition,  into  a  greenish  glass.  In 
powder,  forms  a  jelly  with  nitric  acid. 

*  From  Liguria,  the  country  in  which  it  is  found, 
t  Mellilite,  Lat.  from  its  being  of  a  honey  yellow. 


APPENDIX. 

Comp.  Silex  38  ;  lime  19 ;  magnesia  19.40  ;  alumine  2.90  ;  oxide 
of  iron  12  10  ;  oxide  of  titanium  4  ;  oxide  of  manganese  2. — Carpi. 

Local.  Capo  di  Bove,  near  Rome,  in  the  fissures  of  compact  black 
lava. 

O&5.  Another  mineral,  called  mellite  or  honey-stone,  on  account  of 
its  color,  is  a  mellate  of  alumine,  and  a  very  different  substance  from 
the  present  species. 

Species  M.  OMPHACITE. 
Omphacit,  W.     Omphacite,  P. 

Ext.  Char. — Color,  green,  of  various  shades,  often 
deep  grass  green  ;  occurs  massive,  composed  of  small 
crystalline  filaments ;  translucent ;  transparent  on  the 
edges ;  cleavage  parallel  to  the  sides  of  a  rhombic 
prism. 

Chem.  Char.  Fusible,  with  difficulty. 

Local.  Near  Hoff,  in  the  Tyrol,  with  actynolite,  garnet  and  mica. 

Species  32.   PICROLITE. 
Picrolith,  Hausmann.    Picrolite,  P.  M. 

Ext.  Char. — Color,  leek-green,  passing  into  yellow ; 
occurs  massive ;  structure  compact,  or  fibrous ;  fracture 
splintery  ;  lustre  glimmering,  and  a  little  pearly  ;  trans- 
lucent on  the  edges ;  brittle ;  varies  from  soft,  to  pret- 
ty hard. 

Chem.  Char.  Colors  borax  green,  but  the  color  disappears  on  cool- 
ing. 

Comp.  Silex  40.04 ;  magnesia  38.80  j  protoxide  of  iron  8.28  ;  car- 
bonic acid  4.70  ;  water  9.08.— Almroth. 

Local  Taberg  and  Nordmarken,  in  Sweden,  in  the  beds  of  octa- 
hedral iron  ore. 

Species  33.  PICROSMINE.* 
Picrosmin,  Haidingtr.  Mohs*  Mineralogy. 

Ext.  Char. — Colors,  greenish  white,  greenish  grey, 
oil  green,  leek,  and  blackish  green;  occurs  massive; 
structure  fibrous,  passing  into  compact ;  cleavage  per- 
fect in  one  direction,  and  less  so  in  two  others ;  frac- 
ture fine,  uneven,  or  earthy  ;  lustre  pearly  on  one  of  the 
faces,  and  vitreous  on  the  other;  streak  white  ;  opake, 
or  translucent  on  the  edges  ;  soft ;  very  sectile  ;  sp. 
gr.  2.59  to  2.66. 

Chem.  Char.  Infusible,  but  emits  water  and  becomes  first  black, 

*  From  the  Greek,  signifying  bilter  odor,  in  allusion  to  the  peculiar  smell  it 
emits,  when  moistened. 


APPENDIX.  311 

then  white  and  opake,  and  acquires  considerable  hardness.  Soluble 
with  salt  of  phosphorus,  except  a  skeleton  of  silex.  When  heated 
with  solution  of  cobalt,  it  assumes  a  pale  red  color. 

Obs.  Haidinger  supposes  that  several  varieties  of  the  common  as- 
bestus  of  Werner,  should  be  referred  to  this  species. 

Local  Near  Presnitz,  in  Bohemia,  in  an  iron  mine. 

Species  34.  SILICIOUS  HYDRATE  OF  ALUMINE. 

Siliciferous  Hydrate  of  Alumine,  P. 

Ext.  Char. — Color,  white,  with  a  tinge  of  yellow,  or 
blue  ;  occurs  massive ;  when  dry,  the  lustre  is  resi- 
nous, and  it  absorbs  about  one  eighth  of  its  weight  of 
water  ;  adheres  to  the  tongue  ;  fracture  earthy  ;  on  ex- 
posure, becomes  friable,  and  loses  about  40  per.  cent, 
of  its  weight. 

Chem.  Char.  Infusible  ;  forms  a  jelly  with  acids. 
Comp.  Alumine  44.5;  silex  15  ;  water  40.5. — Berthier. 
Local.  In  the  Pyrenees,  on  the  bank  of  the  river  Oo,  in  a  lead 
mine. 

Var.  1.  SEVERITE. 
Severite,  P. 

Ext.  Char. — Color,  white  ;  occurs  massive  ;  frac- 
ture earthy ;  texture  fine  grained  ;  translucent ;  re- 
sembles lithomage,  but  is  a  little  harder  ;  lustre,  none ; 
yields  to  the  knife  ;  brittle ;  polishes  by  friction  ;  ad- 
heres to  the  tongue ;  has  no  argillaceous  odor,  when 
breathed  on ;  does  not  form  a  paste  with  water. 

Chem.  Char.  It  does  not  effervesce  with  acids,  nor  is  its  color 
changed  by  heat.  When  newly  fractured,  it  is  said  to  diffuse  an  odor 
like  that  of  apples. 

Comp.  Silex  50  ;  alumine  22  ;  water  %Q.—Pettetier. 

Local.  Near  St.  Sever*  in  France,  in  small  masses,  in  a  grarel  soil. 

Var.  2.    LENZINITE.f 

Lenzinite,  P. 

This  has  been  divided  into  two  sub-varieties,  viz.  Opaline  and  Ar- 
gillaceous. 

Sub-Var.l.  OPALINE  LENZINITE. 

Ext.  Char — Color,  milk-white  ;  occurs  in  small  mas- 
ses ;  fracture  flat  conchoidal;  surface  dull;  tex- 
ture earthy ;  transparent,  or  translucent ;  yields  to  the 

*  Hence  the  name,  Severite.    t  In  honor  of  the  mineralogist,  Lensius. 


312  APPENDIX. 

knife  ;  easily  reduced  to  a  white  powder;   adheres  to 
the  tongue  ;  sp.  gr.  2.10. 

Chem.  Char.  When  heated  in  a  crucible,  loses  25  per  cent,  of  its 
weight,  and  becomes  so  hard  as  to  scratch  glass.  When  thrown  into 
water,  it  divides. 

Sub-Far.  2.  ARGILLACEOUS  LENZINITE. 
Ext.  Char. — Color,  snow  white,  sometimes  tinged 
yellowish,  with  oxide  of  iron  ;  occurs  in  small  pieces  : 
fracture  earthy ;  lustre  dull ;  becomes  polished  by  rub- 
bing ;  translucent  on  the  edges ;  unctuous  to  the 
touch ;  brittle  ;  adheres  strongly  to  the  tongue  ;  breaks 
to  pieces  in  water,  but  does  not  become  more  translu- 
cent ;  sp.  gr.  1.80. 

Chem.  Char.  Exposed  to  a  red  heat,  it  becomes  hard  enough  to 
scratch  glass  ;  but  undergoes  no  other  change. 

Comp    Silex  39  ;  alumine  35.5  ;  water  25.0  ;  lime  0.05. — Johns 
Local.  Both  varieties  occur  at  Kail,  in  Eifeld. 

fc 

Var.  3.  KOLLYRITE. 
Kollyrite,  Lucas.  Bt.  P.  M. 

Ext.  Char. — Color,  white  ;  occurs  compact  ;  ap- 
pears like  clay ;  water  may  be  obtained  from  it  on 
pressure  ;  retains  its  water  so  strongly,  that  it  takes  a 
month  or  more,  for  a  small  piece  to  dry,  when  it  sepa- 
rates into  columnar  pieces,  like  starch  ;  absorbs  wa- 
ter, with  a  hissing  noise,  and  becomes  translucent. 

Chem.  Char.  Infusible  ;  soluble  in  nitric  acid  without  eiferves- 
tence. 

Comp.  Alumine  45  ;  silex  14  ;  water  40  — Klaproth. 
Local.  In  Thuringia  and  Sheimnitz,  in  Hungary. 

Var.  4.  ALLOPHANE. 
Allophane,  Stromeyer. 

Ext.  Char. — Colorless,  and  semi-transparent;  or 
sometimes  blue,  green,  or  brown ;  occurs  massive  ; 
but  shews  signs  of  prismatic  forms  ;  lustre  somewhat 
vitreous;  brittle;  sp.  gr.  1.85. 

Chem.  Char.  Intumesces,  and  falls  into  powder,  but  alone,  is  infu- 
sible ;  with  borax  melts  into  a  colorless  glass. 

Comp.  Alumine  32.20  ;  silex  29.92  ;  water  41. 30;  carbonate  of 
copper  3.05  ;  and  a  little  lirr.e,  sulphate  of  lime,  and  hydrate  of  iron. 
Stromeyer. 

Obs.  This  was  probably  a  green  variety  of  this  mineral,  as  it  con- 
tained copper. 
Local.  Thuringia,  in  a  bed  of  lime  stone. 


APPENDIX.  313 

Species  35.     SOMERVILLITE. 

Somervillite,  Brooke.  Brande's  Journal,  Vol.  XVI.  Somervillite,  M. 
Ext.  Char. — Color,  pale  dull  yellow;  occurs  in  octo- 
hedral  crystals,  with  isosceles  triangular  faces,  various- 
ly truncated,  so  as  to  resemble  some  varieties  of  the  ox- 
ide of  tin ;  cleavage,  perfect  in  only  one  direction ;  lus- 
tre glassy ;  scratches  glass. 

Chem.  Char.  Fusible  alone,  into  a  grey  globule ;  with  borax,  into 
a  colorless  one. 

Local.  Mount  Vesuvius,  with  black  mica. 

Species  36.     SP1LERULITE.* 

SphaBrulite,  P.  M. 

Ext.  Char. — Colors,  grey,  and  brown,  of  various 
shades  ;  occurs  in  spheroidal,  or  botryoidal  masses, 
and  in  fibrous  concretions  ;  fracture  splintery ;  struc- 
ture fibrous,  or  compact ;  opake,  or  translucent ;  lustre 
none  ;  brittle  ;  scratches  quartz  slightly :  sp.  gr.  2.50. 

Chem.  Char.  Nearly  infusible,  the  sharp  edges  only  become  glaz- 
ed 

Comp.  In  composition,  it  is  said  to  be  nearly  related  to  obsidian. 
Local.  Near  Schemnitz,  in  Hungary,  imbedded  in  pitchstone. 

Species  37.     SORDAWALLITE. 

Sordawallite,  Nordenskiold.  Ed.  Phil.  Jour.  Vol.  IX.     Sordawallite. 

P.M. 

Ext.  Char. — Color,  greenish,  or  greyish  black ;  oc- 
curs massive ;  fracture  conchoidal ;  texture  compact ; 
no  trace  of  cleavage  ;  lustre  vitreous,  and  a  little  metal- 
lic ;  brittle  ;  hardness  equal  to  that  of  glass  :  sp.  gr. 
2.5.3. 

Chem.  Char.  Fusible  with  difficulty,  into  a  blackish  globule.  With 
borax,  yields  a  green  glass  ;  with  a  small  quantity  of  soda,  a  blackish 
green  globule,  and  with  a  larger  quantity,  a  rough  slaggy  mass.  Be* 
comes  reddish,  on  exposure. 

Comp.  Silex  49.40;  alumine  13.90;  peroxide  of  iron  18.17;  mag- 
nesia 10.67  ;  phosphoric  acid  2.67  ;  water  4.38. — Nordenskiold. 

Local.  Sordawala,  in  the  government  of  Wiborg,  in  Finland.  It 
occurs  in  thin  layers,  in  a  primitive  rock. 

Species  38.     THULITE. 
Thulite,  Brooke.     Thulite,  M.  C. 
Ext.  Char. — Color,  rose  red ;  occurs   in  crystalline 

*  Probably  because  it  occurs  in  spherical  masse?. 
40 


314  APPENDIX. 

masses;  cleavage,  parallel  to  the  lateral  planes  of  a 
rhombic  of  87  deg.  30  min.  and  92  deg.  30min. ;  not  so 
hard  as  quartz  ,  yields  to  the  knife  with  difficulty. 

Obs.  No  proper  account  of  this  mineral,  has  been  given.  It  is  said 
to  come  from  Norway. 

Species  39.     TORRELITE. 
Torrelite,  Renwick.  Ann.  N.  Y.  Lyceum. 
Ext.  Char. — Color,  vermillion  red.  powder,  rose  red  ; 
occurs  disseminated,  and  in  small  fragments ;  fracture 
granular  ;  in  some  specimens  fine,  and  in  others  coarse 
grained  ;  slightly  magnetic ;  scratches  glass. 

Chem.  Char.  Infusible  alone  ;  with  borax,  forms  a  glass,  of  green 
color,  while  hot,  but  which  becomes  colorless  on  cooling. 

Comp.  Silex  32.60  ;  peroxide  of  cerium  12.32;  protoxide  of  iron 
21.00;  alumine  3.6S  ;  lime  24.08  ;  water  3.50;  loss  2  82.—  Ren- 
wick. 

Local.  Andover  Iron  mine,  Sussex  County,  ^V.  J.  where  it  is  inti- 
mately connected  with,  and  disseminated  through  the  ore 

Obs.  The  present  species,  was  first  analyzed,  and  named,  by  Prof. 
Renwick,  of  Columbia  College. 

Prof.  Renwick,  makes  the  following  observations,  on  the  general 
aspect  of  this  ore. 

"  This  ore  appears,  at  first  glance,  to  be  composed  of  three  very 
distinct  substances.  The  first  is  intermediate,  in  appearance  between 
the  granular  Franklinite,  and  the  large  grained  magnetic  ore,  of  Gov. 
Dickerson's  mine,  at  Succasinny  :  on  a  cursory  examination,  it  seems 
to  be  a  protoxide  of  iron,  with  a  slight  trace  of  zinc.  The  second,  is 
an  amorphous  quartz,  tinged  with  a  color,  varying  from  a  pale  rose 
color,  to  a  deep  vermillion.  The  third,  is  of  a  dull  vermillion  red, 
and  of  a  granular  fracture  ;  in  some  specimens,  fine,  in  others,  coarse 
grained.  This  last,  was  chosen  as  the  subject  of  examination." 

Prof.  Renwick,  named  it  Torrelite,  in  honor  of  Prof.  Torrey,  of 
West  Point. 

Species  40.     VERMICULITE.* 
Vermiculite,  Webb.  Sill  Jour.  Sci.  Vol.  VII. 
Ext.  Char — Colors,  yellowish,  or  greenish  white,  and 
dark  brown,  or  blackish,  interspersed,  giving  the  mass  a 
brownish  cast;  occurs  massive  ;  texture  compact,  in- 
terspersed with  laminae,  or  scales  resembling  mica  j 
lustre  glistening,  or  dull ;  powder  yellowish,  mixed  with 
shining  scales ;  emits  an  argillaceous  odor,  when  mois- 
tened. 

*  In  allusion  to  its  vermicular, or  \\ormlike  motion,  when  heated. 


APPENDIX,  315 

•  Chem.  Char.  Under  the  blowpipe,  swells,  and  shoots  out  excrescen- 
ces, having  a  vermicular  motion,  and  resembling  worms. 

Obs.  This  appears  to  be  a  new  variety  of  talc,  discovered  by  Mr. 
Webb,  of  Mass.  The  name  chosen  by  Mr.  Webb,  has  been  inserted, 
in  conformity  to  the  general  rule,  that  if  a  man  discovers  a  new  min- 
eral, he  has  a  right  to  name  it.  The  property,  however,  on  which 
this  name  is  founded,  is  by  no  means  peculiar  to  the  present  mineral. 
The  Skolezite  of  Fuchs,  was  named  from  the  same  property,  and  at 
least,  one  variety  of  zeolite,  behaves  in  the  same  manner,  before  the 
blowpipe. 

Local.  Worcester,  Mass. 

Species  41.     WAGNERITE. 

Wagnerit,  Fuchs.  Schweigger's  Journal.     Wagnerite,  M. 
Ext.  Char. — Color,  several  shades  of  yellow,  some- 
times orange  yellow,  and  sometimes  inclining  to  grey; 
occurs  in  crystals  ;   form  unknown  ;  lustre  vitreous  j 
translucent  ;  scratches  glass  :  sp.  gr.  3.11. 

Comp.  Phosphoric  acid  41.72  ;  fluoric  acid  6.50  ;  magnesia  46.66  ; 
oxide  of  iron  5  ;  oxide  of  manganese  0.50. — Fuchs. 

Local.  Near  Werfer,  in  Salzburg,  where  it  is  found  with  quartz,  in 
clay-slate.  This  is  its  only  known  locality. 

Species  42.     WITHAMITE.* 
Withamite,  Brewster.  Edin.  Jour.  Sci.  Vol.  II. 
Ext.  Char. — Color,  carmine  red,  and  pale  straw  yel- 
low, in  two  different  directions,  perpendicular  to  each 
other,  and  to  the  lengthened  prisms  ;  occurs  in  minute 
prismatic  crystals,  aggregated  into  globular  masses, 
radiating  from  their  centres  ;  lustre  vitreous  ;  translu- 
cent ;  brittle  ;  scratches  glass  :  sp.  gr.  3. 1 3. 

Chem.  Char.  Swells,  but  fuses  with  difficulty,  into  a  dark,  green- 
ish grey,  scoria  Salt  of  phosphorus  dissolves  it  with  effervescence, 
into  a  globule,  which  contains  a  skeleton  of  silver,  and  becomes  opake 
on  cooling. 

Local.  Glencoe,  in  Scotland,  in  a  trap  rock. 

Species  43.     ZE ACONITE. 

Gismondin,  Leonhard.  Zeagonite,  Gismondine,  P.  M. 
Ext.  Char. — Colors,  white,  greyish,  and  pale  smalt 
blue  ;  occurs  in  semi-globular  masses  ;  also,  crystalliz- 
ed in  the  form  of  the  octohedron,  with  a  square  base  ; 
angles  sometimes  truncated  ;  lustre  adamantine  ;  cleav- 
age, imperfect  in  two  directions ;  brittle ;  fracture  con- 
in  compliment  to  Mr.  Witham,  who  discovered  it. 


316  APPENDIX. 

choidal ;  translucent ;  crystals  small ;   hardness  equal 
to  that  of  quartz, 

Chem.  Char.  Infusible,  but  phosphoresces,  and  becomes  friable. 

Comp.  Silex  41.4  ;  lime  48.6  ;  alumine  2.5  ;  magnesia  1.5;  ox- 
ide of  iron  2.5.— Carpi. 

Obs.  Prof.  Mohs,  has  little  doubt,  from  the  quantity  of  the  angles 
of  zeagonite,  that  it  is  a  variety  of  zircon.  Its  composition,  however, 
is  entirely  different,  that  of  zircon  being  70  parts  zirconia,  while  the 
present  species,  contains  not  a  particle  of  that  earth. 

Local  Capo  de  Boae,  near  Rome,  in  the  cavities  of  a  volcanic 
rock. 

Species  44.     ZURLIT E. 
Zurlit,  Leonhard.     Zurlite,  P.  M. 

Ext.  Char.— Color,  asparagus  green;  occurs  in  four-sided 
rectangular  prisms,  sometimes  flattened,  and  occasion- 
ally with  truncated  angles;  cleavage  indistinct ;  also. oc- 
curs in  botryoidal  masses;  fracture  conchoidal,  pas- 
sing into  uneven ;  texture  compact,  and  corneous ;  sur- 
face rough,  and  covered  with  a  white  coating ;  yields 
to  quartz,  but  gives  sparks  with  steel :  sp.  gr.  3.27. 

Chem.  Char.  Fusible  with  borax,  into  a  blackish  glass.  Nitrons  acid 
dissolves  it  in  part,  with  effervescence,  and  assumes  a  yellow  color. 

Local.  Mount  Vesuvius,  with  calcareous  spar,  where  is  was  first 
discovered  by  Remondini,  and  described  by  him  in  the  Memoirs  of 
the  Academy  of  Naples. 


ADDENDA. 

Account  of  some  new  Vesuvian  Minerals,  by  Seigniors  MONTICELLI 
and  COVELLI,  of  Naples. 

(Our  account  of  these  Minerals,  is  an  extract  of  Dr.  J.  Van  Ren- 
sellaer's  translation,  published  in  Silliman's  Journal,  for  Nov.  1826.) 

Species  1.  BREISLAKITE. 

Ext  Char. — Colors,  brownish,  or  reddish  brown  ;  ap- 
pears like  down ;  under  the  microscope,  appears  in 
the  form  of  extremely  small,  straight  acicular  crystals, 
of  a  red  color,  which  are  placed  in  the  interstices  of 
other  rxtremely  small  crystals ;  capillary,  contorted, 
and  brown. 

C/iem.  Char.  Hot  nitric  acid,  reduces  it  to  an  impalpable  powder 
which  on  cooling,  is  precipitated.  Before  the  blowpipe,  it  melts  into 
a  black  enamel. 

Comp.  Silex,  alumine,  and  a  little  iron. — Wollaston. 

Local.  It  lines  the  small  bubbles  found  in  the  lava  of  Scalla,  on 
Vesuvius. 

Species  2.  HUMBOLDTILHITE.* 

Umboldilite. 

Ext.  Char. — Color,  bro\\n,  tending  to  brownish  yel- 
low ;  occurs  in  six,  eight,  and  twelve-sided  prisms, 
sometimes  so  short,  as  to  become  tabular,  also  cylin- 
drical and  massive;  primitive  form,  a  right  rectangular 
prism,  with  a  square  base  ;  translucent  in  mass,  trans- 
parent in  thin  Iamina3  ;  lustre  vitreous ;  fracture  vitre- 
ous, and  conchoidal ;  fragments  irregular,  and  acumin- 
ated ;  scratches  glass  :  sp.  gr.  3.104. 

Chem.  Char.  Fusible,  with  effervescence,  but  does  not  form  a  glo- 
bule. With  nitric  acid,  it  is  converted  into  a  jelly. 

Comp.  Silex  54.16  ;  lime  31.67  ;  magnesia  8.83;  alumine  0.50; 
oxide  of  iron  2.00. — Monticelli  and  Covelli. 

Dist.  Char.  It  approaches  by  its  primitive  form,  anhydrous  sul- 
phate of  lime,  cryolite,  cymophane,  chrysolite,  stilbite,  dipyre,  and 
analcime.  From  the  first  two,  it  is  distinguished  by  its  chemical, 
and  physical  characters.  Cymophane,  and  chrysolite,  do  not  form  a 

*I/i  honor  of  Baron  Humboldt.  Humboldline,  and  Humboldtite,  have  alrea- 
dy been  noticed. 


3lB  ADDENDA. 

jelly  with  acids,  and  are  infusible  ;  stilbiteand  analcime,  do  not  form 
a  jelly  with  acids ;  and  dipyre  contains  no  magnesia  in  its  composi- 
tion. In  chemical  composition,  umboldilite,  is  similar  to  augite,  sah- 
lite,  hornblende,  and  melilite,  but  from  these  species,  it  is  also  distin- 
guished by  its  forming  a  jelly  with  acids. 

L>cal  Vesuvius,  in  lava,  associated  with  zurlite,  augite,  Thomson- 
he,  mica,  &c, 

Species  S.  DAVINA.* 

Davyne. 

Ext.  Char. — Colors,  brown,  or  white  ;  occurs  in  six, 
and  twelve-sided  crystals,  also  annular  ;  primitive 
form,  the  regular  hexahedral  prism  ;  transparent,  trans- 
lucent, or  opake ;  lustre  of  the  transparent  crystals, 
opaline,  of  the  opake,  pearly  ;  structure  lamellar,  the 
laminae  being  parallel  to  the  axis  of  the  prism  ;  lamel- 
lar structure  of  the  opake,  very  obvious;  transverse 
fracture,  unequal  ;  longitudinal  fracture,  lamellar; 
scratches  glass  :  sp.  gr.  2.25;  refraction  double. 

Chem.  Char.  Forms  a  yellowish  jelly,  with  nitric  acid.  Efferves- 
ces at  first,  owing  to  admixture.  Fusible,  with  effervescence,  into  a 
porous,  opaline  enamel.  Crystals  retain  their  transparency,  at  a  white 
heat. 

Comp.  Silex  4291  ;  alumine  33.28;  lime  12.02;  iron  01.25; 
water  07.43  ;  loss  03.11. — MonticeUi  and  Covclli. 

Dist.  Char.  Sommite,  which  it  resembles,  is  harr'ly  acted  on  at 
all,  by  nitric  acid,  while  this  acid  dissolves  50  per  cent,  of  Davina.  It 
differs  from  Thomsonite,  in  retaining  its  transparency  when  heated, 
and  in  being  harder.  From  pseudo-sommite,  it  differs  in  being  more 
easily  fusible,  and  in  possessing  an  opaline  or  pearly  lustre. 

Local.  Vesuvius,  associated  with  Wollastonite,  calcareous  spar,  pu- 
mice, black  spinelle,  and  mica. 

Spedes  4.  CAVOLINITE.t 

Ext.  Char. — Color,  white,  and  opake  ;  lustre  pearly, 
or  silky  ;  longitudinal  fracture,  fibrous ;  transverse 
fracture,  rough  and  unequal  ;  occurs  in  six,  and  twelve- 
sided  prisms,  with  obtuse,  or  low  pyramidal  termina- 
tions, prisms  sometimes  verv  short ;  also  occurs  annu- 
lar ;  primitive  form,  the  regular  hexahedron,  the  height 
of  the  prism  being  less  ,than  its  breadih:  cleavage,  par- 
allel to  the  axis  of  the  prism ;  crystals  small,  passing 
into  microscopic  ;  scratches  glass  :  sp.  gr.  2.15. 


*  In  honor  of  Sir  Humphrey  Davy. 

t  In  honor  of  Pliilipo  Cavolini,  the  Neapolitan  naturalist. 


ADDENDA.  31 9 

Chem.  Char.  Easily  fusible,  with  effervescence,  into  an  enamel, 
with  the  aspect  of  porcelain.  With  nitric  acid,  forms  a  jelly. 

Dist.  Char.  It  has  the  same  primitive,  with  sommite,  Darina,  and 
pinite,  but  is  distinguished  from  them  all,  by  its  structure,  aspect,  and 
chemical  composition. 

Obs.  The  analysis  of  Cavolinite,  say  the  authors,  as  well  as  its  ac- 
tion before  the  blowpipe,  leads  to  the  presumption,  that  this  new  spe- 
cies, is  a  double  silicate  of  alumine,  and  potash. 

Local.  Vesuvius,  in  the  interior  of  calcareous  balls,  accompanied 
by  garnets,  and  isocrase,  &c. 

Species  5.  CHRTSTIANITE. 

Ext.  Char. — Colors,  brown,  yellow,  and  reddish  ;  oc- 
curs in  four,  eight,  and  twelve-sided  prisms,  variously 
modified  by  truncation  ;  primitive,  an  oblique  rectan- 
gular prism;  lustre  ordinary,  or  dull  on  the  superfices; 
transverse  fracture,  vitreous,  longitudinal  fracture,  la- 
mellar ;  is  scratched  by  quartz  ;  crystals  small ;  trans- 
lucent, or  transparent :  sp.  gr.  2.77  ;  refraction  double, 
through  the  laminae. 

Chem.  Char.  Infusible  alone.  With  borax,  affords  a  brown,  globu- 
lar, opake,  button,  translucent  at  the  edges.  With  nitrate  of  co- 
balt, the  edges  most  exposed  to  heat,  assume  a  beautiful  blue.  Sul- 
phuric acid,  converts  it  into  an  imperfect  vesicular  jelly,  considerably 
increasing  its  bulk.  Dissolves  partially  in  nitric  acid. 

Dist.  Char.  Phosphate  of  lime,  which  it  resembles,  dissolves  en- 
tirely in  nitric  acid  Chondrodite,  is  entirely  insoluble  in  nitric 
acid.  Topaz  is  harder,  and  has  a  higher  sp.  gr.  than  Christianite, 
and  from  the  zeolites,  felspar,  and  sommite,  it  is  distinguished  by  its 
infusibility. 

Local.  Vesuvius,  in  small  geodes  of  granitoid  aggregates,  composed 
chiefly  of  augite  and  mica,  which  occur  in  the  matter,  ejected  from 
the  volcano. 

Species  6.  BIOTINA.* 

Ext.  Char. — Colors,  topaz  yellow,  brown  and  color- 
less; translucent,  or  transparent ;  occurs  according  to 
Montice/li  and  Cavelli ;  1 .  Bis-marginate.  2.  Tri-tetrahe- 
dral.  3.  Sei-duodecimal.  4.  Octo-duodecimal.  5.  Octo- 
sesdecimal.  6.  Amphi-hexahedral.  7.  Amphi-octohe- 
dral.  8.  Quadri-duodecimal.  Primitive  form,  an  obtuse 
rhomboid;  fracture  vitreous,  tending  to  conchoidal; 
fragments  angular;  lustre  vivid;  refraction  double: 
sp.gr.  3.1 1. 

*  In  honor  of  the  distinguished  French  naturalist,  Biot. 


320  ADDENDA. 

Chem.  Char.  Infusible,  and  unalterable  by  the  blowpipe.  Nitric 
acid,  partially  dissolves  it,  without  forming  a  jelly- 

Dist.  Char.  The  carbonates  of  lime,  barytes,  and  strontian,  effer- 
vesce with  acids,  which  Biotina  does  not.  It  is  less  hard  than  quartz ; 
and  chabasie  fuses  before  the  blowpipe.  Phosphate  of  lime,  dissolves 
perfectly  in  acids ;  Biotina  dissolves  but  partially.  Biotina  differs 
from  crysolite,  and  Brucite,  in  respect  to  primitive  form,  and  exter- 
nal aspect.  Crysoberyl,  scratches  quartz. 

Local.  Mount  Vesuvius. 


INDEX. 


page. 

Abrazite,  315 

Achmite,  171 

Acidiferous  Earthy  Minerals,    89 

Actynolite,  61 

acicular,  62 

bladed,  61 

asbestiform,  62 

massive  62 

Adamantine  spar,  63 

Adhesive  slate,  44 

Aduiaria  148 

Agalmatolite,  153 

Agaric  mineral,  91 

Agate,  18 

brecciated, 

fortification,  19 
moss, 

ribbon,  18 

Alabaster,  92 

Albm,  144 

Albite,  172 

Alkaline  fluate  of  lime,  138 

Allagite,  255 

Allanite,  267 

Allochrite,  28 

Allophane,  312 

Almandine,  24 

Alum,  137 

Alum  slate,  44 

Alummate  of  lead,  hydrous,  204 
Aluminous  oxide  of  lead, 

Aluminous  slate,  44 

Alum  stone,  138 
Alumine  and  potash,  sulphate 

of,  136 

Alumine,  fluatee  alkaline,  138 

sulfatee  alkaline,  137 

Alumine,  sub-phosphate  of,  119 

Alumine,  118 

silicious  hydrate  of,  311 

sub-sulphate  of,  118 

Aluminite, 

Amalgam,  native,  177 

41 


page. 

Amazon  stone,  149 

Amber,  296 

Amblygonite,  139 

Amethyst,  4 

oriental,  4 

Amianthoide,  53 

Amianthus,  64 

Ammonia,  muriate  of,  135 

sulphate  of,  " 
Ammoniaque  muriatee, 

sulfatee, 

Amphibole,  56 

actinote,  61 

Amphigene,  142 

Analcime,  161 

Anatase,  271 

Andalusite,  143 

Anhydrite,  115 

compact,  1 16 

granular,  " 

fibrous,  " 

silicious,  " 

Anhydrous  gypsum,  1 15 
Anhydrous  carbonate  of  cop- 
per, 

Anhydrous  sulphate  of  lime,     " 
Anhydrous   sulphate  of  soda 

and  lime,  139 

Anorthite,  15! 

Anthracite,  286 

columnar,  287 

massive,  " 

slaty,  " 

Antimoine,  258 

natif,  " 

oxide,  261 

oxide  sulfure  capillaire,    259 

oxide  sulfure,  260 

sulfure,  259 

Antimonial  sulphuret  of  lead,  202 

Antimonial  silver,  180 

Antimonial  grey  copper.  190 

Antimony,  258 


322 


INDEX. 


!?"•  page 

"dodecahedal,  258 
native, 

nickeliferous  grey,  260 

oxide  of,  261 

prism  atic,  180 

prismatic  white,  261 

red,  260 

rhombohedral,  258 

sulphuret  of,  259 
sulphuretted  oxide  of,      260 

Apatite,  107 

rhombohedral,  " 

Aphrite,  92 

Aplome,  27 

Apophylite,  143 

Aquamarine  86 

Arfwedsonite,  299 

Argent,  antimonial,  180 

antimonie  sulfure,  183 

muriate,  185 

natif,  179 

carbonatee,  184 

arsenical,  181 

Argent, 

sulfure,  182 

Argentiferous  arsenical  iron,  221 

Argentiferous  copper- glance,    " 

Argental  mercury,  177 

Argentine,  91 

Argile,  calcifere,  100 

glaise,  50 

schisteuse  novaculaire,      43 

schisteuse  graphique,  45 

Argillaceous  oxide  of  iron,  231 

columnar, 

lenticular,  232 
nodular, 

pisiform,  231 
Argillaceous  muriate  of  silver,  185 

Argillaceous  slate,  41 

Argillite,  42 

shining, 

Arragonite,  102 

Arseniate  of  cobalt,  218 

Arseniate  of  copper,  197 

fibrous,  199 

martial,  200 

octohedral,  197 

oblique  prismatic,  199 


210 
]18 

215 

262 

" 
263 

" 

262 
263 


page. 

right  prismatic,     .  199 

rhomboidal  198 

Arseniate  of  iron,  239 
Arseniate  of  lead, 

reniform, 
Arseniate  of  lime, 
Arseniate  of  nickel, 
Arsenic, 

native, 

oxide  of, 

sulphuret  of, 
Arsenic  natif, 

oxide, 

sulfure  rouge,  " 

sulfure  jaune,  .      264 

Arsenical  cobalt,  218 

iron,  221 

nickel,  215 
Arsenico-antimonial  silver,      181 

Arsenical  grey  copper,  190 

silver,  antimonial,  181 

Arseniate  of  nickel,  215 

Asbeste,  64 

Asbestus,  " 

Asbestiform  actynolite,  62 

Asparagus  stone,  108 

Asphaltum,  290 

Atacamite,  195 

Augite,  53 

oblique  edged,  " 

Augite-spar,  " 

paratomous,  .  53—63 

prismateidal,  37 

Automolite,,^  73 

Axe-stone,  166 

Axinite,  38 

prismatic,  " 

Azurite,  78 
Azure-spar,  dodecahedral,        39 

Azure  copper-ore,  192 


Babingtonite, 

Baikalite, 

Balas  ruby, 

Barystrontianite, 

Baryte  carbonatee, 
sulfatee, 
prismatic, 
rhomboidal, 


299 

55 

77 

127 

122 

J23 


INDEX. 


323 


Barytes, 

page. 
122 

iron,  earthy, 

237 

carbonate  of, 

11 

vitriol, 

sulphate  of, 

123 

Bog  iron  ore, 

2331 

Baryto-calcite, 

299 

compact, 

" 

Basalt, 

164 

friable, 

tt 

Basaltic  hornblende, 

57 

pitchy, 

"235 

B^sinite, 

45 

Bole, 

49 

Bergmanite, 

300 

Boracite, 

121 

Beryl, 

86 

octohedral, 

tt 

Biotina, 

319 

Borate  of  lime, 

117 

Bismuth, 

212 

silicious, 

tt 

native, 

" 

of  magnesia, 

121 

cupriferous  sulphuret  of, 

213 

of  soda, 

132 

oxide  of 

214 

Borax, 

tc 

octohedral, 

212 

Botryolite, 

117 

plumbo-cupreous  sulphu- 

Breislakite, 

317 

ret  of, 

213 

Brewsterite, 

300 

sulphuret  of, 

11 

Brittle  sulphuret  of  silver, 

183 

Bismuthic  silver 

181 

Brochantite, 

301 

Bitter  spar, 

104 

Brookite, 

tt 

Bitumen, 

290 

Brown  coal", 

293 

compact, 

tt 

haematite, 

227 

earthy, 

tt 

iron  ore, 

it 

elastic, 

u 

oxide  of  iron, 

" 

Bitume, 

tt 

Brown  spar, 

105 

elastique, 

tt 

Brucite, 

80 

solide, 

tc 

Bucklandite, 

301 

Bituminous  limestone, 

98 

Bucholzite, 

143 

marlite, 

101 

Butter  milk  silver, 

185 

shale, 

43 

Byssolite, 

53 

wood, 

294 

Black  coal, 

291 

Cacholong, 

15 

cobalt-ochre, 

218 

Cadmium, 

279 

copper,            ^, 

188 

Cairngorm  stone, 

5 

iron  ore, 

233 

Calaite, 

69 

compact, 

" 

Calarnine, 

fibrous, 

" 

prismatic, 

248 

lead, 

286 

rhomboidal, 

249 

oxide  of  manganese, 

252 

Calamite, 

60 

tellurium, 

276 

Calcareous  spar, 

89 

Blende, 

245 

tufa, 

101 

cadmiferous, 

247 

Calcareous  oxide  of  tungsten, 

276 

black, 

" 

Calp, 

98 

fibrous, 

tt 

(  'annel  coal, 

292 

mammillated, 

it 

Carbonate  of  barytes, 

122 

phosphorescent, 

246 

of  copper,  blue, 

192 

Blind  coal, 

286 

^of  copper,  green, 

193 

Bloedite, 

300 

of  iron, 

236 

Blue  carbonate  of  copper, 

192 

Carbonate  of  lead, 

204 

324 


INDEX. 


acicular, 

page. 
205 

fibreuse, 

page. 
91 

earthy, 

« 

fetide, 

98 

Carbonate  of  lime, 

89 

fluatee, 

109 

bituminous, 

98 

globuli  forme, 

99 

concreted, 

99 

magnesifere, 

103 

ferro-magnesian, 

105 

phosphatee, 

107 

fetid, 

98 

nitratee, 

117 

granular, 

93 

saccaroide, 

93 

magnesian, 

103 

spongieuse, 

91 

silicious, 

107 

Chaux  fluatee, 

109 

stalactical, 

92 

phosphatee, 

107 

Carbonate  of  manganese, 

254 

sulfatee, 

112 

of  silver, 

184 

compacte, 

113 

of  soda, 

131 

Chelmsfordite, 

107 

of  strontian, 

1*J6 

Chiastolite, 

301 

of  zinc, 

249 

Chinese  figure  stone, 

153 

Carbonate  of  magnesia, 

120 

Chlorite, 

154 

compact, 

a 

common, 

« 

crystallized, 

n 

crystallized, 

a 

earthy, 

121 

slate, 

155 

pulverulent, 

« 

Chlorophaeite, 

303 

Carbonate  of  strontian, 

126 

Chlorophane, 

111 

barytic, 

127 

Chloropal, 

302 

Carbonated  muriate  of  lead, 

207 

Christianite, 

319 

Carbuncle, 

24 

Chromate  of  iron, 

I  238 

Carbonate  of  iron, 

285 

Chromate  of  lead, 

211 

Carnelian, 

17 

cupreous, 

212 

Carpholite, 

22 

of  lead  and  copper, 

fi 

Cat's-eye, 

8 

of  iron, 

238 

Cavolinite, 

318 

Chrome, 

261 

Celestine, 

127 

oxide  of, 

ii 

fibrous, 

128 

Chrysoberyl, 

75 

foliated, 

« 

Chrysocolla, 

194 

Cerite, 

267 

Chrysolite, 

79 

Cerium, 

260 

prismatic, 

ti 

fluate  of, 

268 

Chrysoprase, 

17 

ittrio-calcareous  oxide  of,  268 

Cimolite, 

50 

silicious  oxide  of, 

267 

Cinnabar, 

177 

Ceylanite, 

77 

Cinnamon-stone, 

29 

Chabasie, 

167 

Citrine, 

5 

Chalcedony, 

13 

Class  I. 

1 

Chalk, 

100 

II. 

89 

Charcoal,  mineral, 

285 

III. 

130 

Chaux  carbonatee, 

89 

TV 

137 

arragonite, 

102 

V. 

141 

boratee  siliceuse, 

117 

yj 

174 

bituminifere, 

98 

—  vii. 

280 

concretionnee, 

92 

Clay, 

46 

crayeuse, 

100 

indurated, 

n 

INDEX. 


325 


porcelain, 

pa^fv 
46 

black, 

rape. 

188 

iron, 

45 

blue  carbonate  of, 

192 

Clay-slate, 

4i 

green  carbonate  of, 

193 

Clay-stone, 

46 

ferruginous  sulphuret 

Clevelandite, 

171 

of, 

189 

Clinkstone, 

162 

hydrous  phosphate  of, 

197 

Coal, 

lenticular, 

u 

black, 

291 

martial  arseniate  of, 

200 

blind, 

2S6 

muriate  of, 

195 

brown, 

293 

native, 

186 

cannel, 

292 

oblique  prismatic  arsen- 

coarse, 

291 

iate  of, 

199 

glance, 

286 

octohedral, 

186 

mineral, 

291 

octohedral  arseniate  of, 

197 

slate, 

287 

phosphate  of, 

196 

stone, 

(( 

purple, 

188 

Cobalt, 

216 

pyrites, 

« 

arseniate  of, 

218 

rhomboid  al  arseniate  of, 

198 

arsenical, 

216 

Copper,  red  oxide  of, 

J91 

earthy, 

218 

seleniuret  of,  and  silver, 

184 

grey  arsenical, 

217 

sulphate  of, 

196 

Cobalt  arseniate, 

218 

sulphuret  of, 

187 

Cobalt  gris, 

217 

variegated  vitreous, 

187 

oxide  of, 

218 

Copper-glance, 

prismatic  red, 

ft 

green, 

194 

red, 

(i 

prismatic, 

187 

sulphate  of, 

219 

rhomboidal 

ri 

sulphur  et  of, 

218 

tetrahedral, 

189 

tin  white, 

216 

Copper,  grey, 

189 

Cobalt-kies, 

218 

antimonial  grey, 

190 

Cobalt-pyrites, 

216 

arsenical  grey, 

« 

hexahedral, 

217 

white, 

« 

octohedral, 

216 

Copper-ore, 

191 

Cobalt-mica,  prismatic, 

218 

octohedral, 

« 

Cobaltic  galena, 

303 

Copper-pyrites, 

183 

Coccolite, 

56    Copper-mica,  prismatic, 

19S 

white, 

(c 

Corindon, 

68 

Colophonite, 

28 

granulaire, 

<( 

Columbite, 

265 

Corneous  lead-ore, 

207 

Columbiferous  oxide  of  tin, 

244 

Corundum, 

68 

Columbium, 

261 

rhombohedral 

66 

ferruginous  oxide  of, 

265 

Couzeranite, 

34 

ittrious  oxide  of, 

n 

Crichtonite, 

274 

Common  salt, 

]33 

Cronstedite, 

234 

Comptonite, 

303 

Cross  stone, 

52 

Condorcite, 

90 

I  ryolite, 

138 

Condrodite, 

« 

pyramidal, 

« 

Copper, 

186 

Cuivre  arseniate, 

197 

arseniate  of, 

197 

carbonate  bleu, 

1U2 

42 

326 


INDEX. 


carbonate  vert, 

paee. 
193 

prismatic, 

page- 

85 

dioptase, 

195 

rhomboidal, 

87 

gris, 

1>9 

Emerald-malachite, 

muriate, 

195 

rhombohedral, 

195 

natif, 

185 

rhomboidal, 

87 

oxide  rouge, 

191 

Emeraude, 

a 

phosphate, 

11)6 

Emery, 

68 

pyriteux  hepatique, 

188 

Epidote, 

37 

sulfatee, 

196 

manganesian, 

38 

sulfure, 

187 

granular, 

(i 

Cupreous  bismuth, 

213 

Epsom  *alt,  prismatic. 

121 

chromate  of  lead, 

212 

Essonite, 

29 

manganese, 

256 

Etain  oxide, 

242 

seleniuret  of  silver, 

184 

sulfure, 

244 

sulphate  of  lead, 

207 

Eucairite, 

184 

sulphate-carbonate   of 

Euclase, 

85 

lead, 

206 

Eudyalite, 

160 

Cyanite, 

71 

Cymophane, 

75 

Fahlunite, 

52 

Fassaite, 

55 

Datholite, 

117 

Feldspath  apyre. 

143 

Davina, 

318 

Feldspar, 

146 

Davyne, 

« 

common, 

147 

Derbyshire  spar, 

196 

compact, 

150 

Diallage, 

63 

fetid, 

« 

green, 

<( 

green, 

149 

metalloidal, 

c( 

glassy, 

148 

Diamant, 

281 

opalescent, 

140 

Diamond, 

<( 

prismatic, 

146 

Diaspore, 

69 

pyramidal, 

35—170 

Diopside,       < 

54 

silicious, 

171 

Dioptase, 

195 

Fer  arsenical, 

221 

Dipyre, 

41 

arseniate, 

239 

Disthene-spar, 

71 

chromate, 

238 

prismatic, 

a 

muriate, 

235 

Dodecahedral,  azure-spar, 

39 

natif, 

219 

corundum, 

76 

oligiste, 

226 

garnet, 

24 

oxide  rouge, 

229 

mercury, 

177 

oxidule, 

224 

Dolomite, 

103 

phosphate, 

236 

compact, 

104 

sulfate, 

238 

Dysodile, 

296 

sulfure, 

221 

Dysthene-spar,  prismatic, 

17 

sulfure  epigene, 

223 

sulfure  magnatique, 

Earth,  fuller's, 

48 

Ferro-magnesian  carbonate  of 

Earth  foam, 

93 

lime, 

105 

Egeran, 

30 

Ferruginous  arseniate 

of  cop- 

Emerald, 

87 

per, 

200 

copper, 

195 

INDEX. 


327 


page. 
Ferruginous    oxide    of    tita- 

Gmelinite, 

page. 
303 

nium, 

271 

Gold, 

175 

oxide  of  tungsten, 

276 

argentiferous, 

176 

quartz, 

5 

hexahedral, 

175 

Fibroiite, 

70 

native, 

1C 

Fi  Jure  stone, 

153 

Graphic  slate, 

45 

Fire  opal, 

10 

Graphite, 

285 

Flint, 

12 

Grey  antimony^ 

swimming, 

7 

cobalt, 

217 

Flinty  slate, 

45 

copper, 

190 

Fioatstone, 

7 

Green  earth, 

155 

Flos  ferri, 

U>3 

diallage, 

63 

Fluate  of  cerium, 

268 

Green  carbonate  of  copper, 

193 

Fluate  of  lime, 

109 

Green  oxide  of  uranium, 

241 

alkaline, 

« 

(  renat, 

24 

crystallized, 

tt 

Grenatite, 

72 

compact, 

110 

Grossular, 

26 

nodular, 

(( 

Gurhofian, 

104 

Fluate  of  soda  and  alumine, 

138 

Gypsum, 

113 

Fossil  copal, 

298 

anhydrous, 

115 

Foresterite, 

304 

axifrangible, 

112 

Franklinite, 

234 

compact, 

113 

Fuller's  earth, 

48 

earthy, 

114 

Fucite, 

304 

fibrous, 

112 

granular, 

113 

Gabronite, 

168 

snowy, 

114 

Gadonolite, 

88 

scaly, 

cc 

prismatic, 

<( 

• 

Gahnite, 

73 

Habroneme-malachite, 

Galena, 

201 

hemi-prismatic, 

193 

compact, 

2</2 

prismatic,                122  —  196 

granular, 

tt 

Hal-baryte, 

122 

specular, 

(i 

di-prismatic, 

u 

Garnet, 

24 

peritomous, 

126 

common, 

25 

prismatoidal, 

127 

manganesian, 

27 

Harmotome, 

52 

precious, 

24 

Hatchetine, 

297 

Syrian, 

« 

Haiiyne, 

144 

Garnet,  dodecahedral, 

tt 

Heavy  spar, 

123 

pyramidal, 

29 

Hedenbergite, 

58 

Gehlenite, 

31 

Heliotrope, 

16 

Gennesee  oil, 

Hematite, 

Gibbsite, 

70 

brown, 

227 

Gieseckite, 

146 

red, 

229 

Girasol, 

10 

Hepatic  cinnabar, 

178 

Gluberite, 

J39 

Hepatite, 

125 

Glaber's  salt, 

132 

Heulandite, 

33 

prismatic, 

<c 

Highgate  resin, 

298 

Glimmer, 

141 

Hexahedral  cobalt  pyrites, 

217 

328 


INDEX. 


page. 

gold,  175 

kouphone-spar,  161 

lead-glance.  201 

lirocone-malachite,          239 

pearl-kerate,  185 

rock-salt,  133 

silver,  17)) 

silver-glance,  182 

Hexahedral  zeolite,  161 

Hisingerite,  305 

Hone, 

Honey  stone,  297 

Hopeite,  306 

Hornblende,  56 

basaltic,  57 

slate, 

Hornsilver,  185 

Hornstone,  21 

Horn  mangan,  255 

Humite,  306 

Hurnboldtine,  240 

Hum  bold  ite,  306 

Humboldtilhite,  317 

Hyacinth,  S4 

Hyalite,  h 

Hyalosiderite,  307 

Hydrate  of  magnesia,  81 

Hydrargillite,  119 

Hydrous  oxide  of  iron,  234 

Hydrophane,  1 1 
Hydrous  phosphate  of  copper,  197 

Hyperthene,  62 

Ice-spar,  308 

Ichthyophthalmite,  143 

Idocrase,  29 

Indianite,  39 

Indivisible  cerium-ore,  267 

Indicolite,  158 

lolite,  78 

prismato-rhomboidal, 

Iridium,  278 

Iron,  219 

argillaceous  oxide  of,       231 

arseniate  of,  239 

arsenical,  221 

chromate  of,  238 

carbonate  of,  2->6 

carburet  of,  285 


page. 

clay,  46 
hydrous  sulphuric  oxide 

of,  235 

hydrous  oxide  of,  234 

magnetic,  224 

meteoric,  22 

micaceous,  227 

native,  219 

octohedral,  " 

oxalate  of,  240 

phosphate  of,  236 

pyrites,  223 

specular  oxide  of,  226 

sulphate  of,  238, 

sulphuretof,  221 
titauiferous  oxydulated,  225 

tungstate  of,  276 

Iron,  oxide  of,  224 

brown,  227 

magnetic,  224 

sandy,  ^25 
earthy, 

sparry,  236 

specular,  226 

micaceous,  227 
fibrous  brown, 

compact,  22S 
scaly, 

ochery,  229 
red, 

Iron-ore,  224 

black,  223 

blue,  236 

bog,  233 

dodecahedral,  222 

lenticular,  232 

magnetic,  224 

micaceous,  227 

octohedral,  224 

pitchy,  235 

prismatic,  221 
229 


red, 
rhombohedral, 
rhomboidal, 
specular, 
Iron  pyrites, 
common, 
hexahedral, 


226 


223 
221 


INDEX. 


329 


magnetic,  223 

prismatic, 

radiated,  222 

rhombohedral,  223 
Isre.ie,  272 
Ittrio-calcareous  oxide  of  ceri- 
um, 268 

Jade,  166 

Jade  nephritique,  166 

Jargon,  85 

Jargoon, 

Jasper,  19 

common, 

Egyptian, 

oriental,  16 

porcelain,  20 

striped, 

ribbon, 

ruin, 

Jayet,  295 

Jenite,  23 

Jeriersonite,  23 

Jet,  295 

Kaolin,  47 

Karpholite,  22 

Killinite,  160 

Knebelite,  308 

Kollyrite,  312 

Konihte,  308 

Kouphone-spar,  32 

axotomous,  143 

hemi-j)rismatic,  33 

hexahedral,  161 

paratomous,  82 

prismatic,  33 

rhombohedral,  167 

trapezoidal,  142 

Koupholite,  32 

Kyanite,  71 

prismatic, 

Kupferindig,  307 

Labrador  opal,  149 

felspar,  149 

hornblende,  62 

Lapis  Lazuli,  39 

Latialite,  144 


page. 

Laumonite,  41 

Lava,  163 

Lazulite,  78 
Lazulith, 

Lead,  200 

aluminous  oxide  of,  104 

arseniate  of,  209 
blue, 

carbonate  of,  204 

chromateof,  211 

corneous,  207 
cupreous  sulphate  of, 
cupreous  sulphato-carbo- 

nate  of,  207 

molybdate  of,  210 

murio-carbonate  of,  207 

native,  201 

phosphate  of,  208 

sulphate  of,  207 

sulphato-tri-carbonate  of,  " 

sulphato-carbonate  of,  206 

sulphuret  of,  201 

Lead  and  copper, chromateof, 212 

Lead,  native  red  oxide  of,  204 

Lead-baryte,  210 

(ji-prismatic,  204 

hemi-prismatic,  211 

prismatic,  206 

pyramidal,  210 

rhombohedral,  208 

Lead-glance, 

hexahedral,  209 
Lead-spar, 

di-prismatic,  204 

red,  211 

rhomboidal,  208 

Lenzinite,  311 

argillaceous,  312 

opaline,  311 

Lepidolite,  168 

Lepidolithe,  168 

Leucite,  142 

Levyne,  307 

Ligurite,  309 

Lignite,  293 

brittle, 

earthy,  295 

fibrous,  294 


330 


INDEX. 


Ligniform  asbestus, 

page. 

65 

Magnetic  sulphurct  of  iron, 

page. 

223 

Lime, 

89 

Malachite, 

193 

arseniate  of, 

118 

compact, 

194 

borate  of, 

117 

fibrous, 

193 

carbonate  of, 

89 

Manganese, 

252 

fluate  of, 

109 

black  oxide  of. 

« 

nitrate  of, 

117 

carbonate  of, 

254 

phosphate  of, 

107 

cupreous, 

25G 

sulphate  of, 

112 

grey  oxide  of, 

252 

Lime-haloide, 

phosphate  of, 

256 

macrotypous, 

105 

rhomboidal  redt 

254 

prismatic, 

103 

silicious  oxide  of, 

u 

rhombohedral, 

89 

sulphuret  of, 

255 

Limestone, 

95 

Manganese,  carbonate, 

254 

argillo-  ferruginous, 

98 

oxide  metalloide, 

252 

bituminous, 

« 

phosphate  ferrifere, 

256 

common, 

r95 

sulfure, 

255 

compact, 

fl 

Manganesian  garnet, 

27 

granular, 

93 

Marble, 

93 

lias, 

99 

Caen, 

97 

magnesian, 

105 

Egyptian, 

93 

Liricone-malachite, 

elastic, 

94 

prismatic, 

197 

black, 

96 

Lithomarge, 

48 

breccia, 

94 

Loadstone, 

2-4 

Carrara, 

u 

Loam. 

51 

Fiorito, 

96 

Lucullite,  prismatic, 

101 

Florentine, 

ft 

Ludus  Helmonti, 

100 

green  antique, 

94 

Lumachella, 

94 

Languedoc, 

97 

Lydian  stone, 

45 

Laconian, 

94 

Lythrodes, 

159 

lumachella, 

ec 

Luni, 

Ci 

Made, 

301 

Middlebury, 

95 

Maclurite, 

80 

Narbonne, 

97 

Madreporite, 

101 

New  Haven, 

94 

Magnesia, 

120 

Parian, 

(C 

Magnesia,  borate  of, 

121 

pan  no  di  morto, 

96 

carbonate  of, 

120 

Pentelican, 

94 

hydrate  of, 

81 

Philadelphia, 

tt 

native, 

Cf 

Pentworth, 

96 

sulphate  of, 

121 

Potowmac, 

94 

Magnesian  limestone, 

103 

ruin, 

97 

Magnesie  boratee, 

121 

statuary, 

93 

carbonatee, 

120 

Stockbridge, 

95 

sulfatee, 

121 

St.  Baum, 

97 

Magnesite, 

120 

Seneca  Lake, 

67 

Magnetic  iron, 

224 

secondary, 

96 

Magnet,  native, 

a 

Thomaston, 

95 

Magnetic  oxide  of  iron, 

(t 

translucent, 

94 

INDEX. 


331 


Yorkshire, 

page. 
96 

sulphuret  of, 

page. 
257 

verde  antique, 

94 

Molybdene  sulfure, 

u 

Marble,  conchitic, 

96 

Molybdic  silver, 

181 

Marie, 

100 

Mon  tin  at  rite, 

114 

bituminous, 

10) 

Moonstone, 

148 

Martial  pyrites, 

222 

Moorcoal, 

294 

Martial  arseniate  of  copper, 

200 

Mountain  cork, 

65 

Margarite, 

309 

blue, 

193 

Massive  phosphate  of  lime, 

109 

leather, 

65 

Meionite, 

170 

meal, 

50 

Melanite, 

27 

paper, 

66 

MHlilite, 

309 

Muller's  glass, 

8 

Mellite, 

297 

Muriacite, 

115 

Menilite, 

12 

Muriate  of  ammonia, 

135 

Mmaccanite, 

272 

of  copper, 

195 

Mercure,  argenta!, 

177 

of  mercury, 

179 

hepatique, 

178 

of  silver, 

184 

muriate, 

189 

of  soda, 

133 

natif, 

177 

Muriate  of  iron,  native, 

235 

sulfure 

(. 

Murio-carbonate  of  lead, 

207 

Mercury, 

n 

Muscovy  glass, 

142 

muriate  of, 

179 

native, 

177 

Nacrite, 

144 

sulphuret  of, 

« 

Naptha, 

288 

Mesoline, 

168 

Native  antimony, 

258 

Mesolite, 

34 

arsenic. 

262 

Mesotype, 

33 

bismuth, 

212 

Metals, 

174 

copper, 

186 

Metalloidal  diallage, 

63 

gold, 

175 

Meteoric  iron, 

220 

iron, 

219 

Mica, 

141 

lead, 

201 

rhomboidal, 

(i 

minium, 

204 

Micaceous  oxide  of  iron, 

227 

nickel, 

214 

Miemite, 

104 

palladium, 

278 

Michaelite, 

22 

platina, 

174 

Mineral  rahout  chouc, 

290 

quickvsilver, 

177 

charcoal, 

285 

red  oxide  of  lead, 

204 

coal, 

291 

silver, 

179 

oil, 

288 

sulphur, 

280 

resin, 

290 

tellurium, 

275 

Mineral  coal, 

291 

Native  muriate  of  iron, 

235 

non-bituminous, 

28t> 

Natrolite, 

34 

Minium,  native, 

104 

Natron,  prismatic, 

131 

Mispickel, 

221 

Natron-salt, 

a 

Mocha  stone, 

19 

hemi-prismatic, 

tt 

Molybdate  of  lead, 

210 

Necronite, 

150 

Molybdena, 

356 

Needlestone, 

34 

ochre, 

257 

Nepheline, 

160 

oxide  of. 

« 

Nephrite, 

166 

132 


INDEX. 


Nickei, 

paffP- 

214 

sapphire, 

67 

arsenical, 

215 

topaz, 

74 

native, 

214 

Orpiment,  red, 

263 

ochre, 

215 

yellow, 

264 

Nickel-pyrites,  prismatic, 

215 

Orthrite, 

267 

Nickeliferous  grey  antimony, 
Nigrene, 

260 

272 

Osmium, 
Oxide  of  antimony, 

278 
261 

Nitrate  of  lime, 

117 

of  arsenic, 

263 

of  potash, 

130 

of  bismuth, 

214 

of  soda, 

132 

ofchrome, 

261 

Nitre, 

130 

of  cobalt, 

218 

Non-bituminous  mineral  coal 

286 

of  colurnbium, 

265 

Novaculite, 

43 

of  copper,  red, 

191 

of  iron, 

2^6 

Obsidian, 

145 

of  lead, 

204 

Octohedral,  alum-salt, 

137 

of  manganese, 

252 

ammoniac-salt, 

135 

of  molybdena, 

256 

arsenic-acid, 

268 

of  tin, 

242 

bismuth, 

212 

of  titanium, 

269 

copper, 

186 

of  tungsten, 

276 

copper-pyrites, 

188 

of  uranium, 

240 

chrome-ore, 

238 

of  zinc,  red, 

248 

diamond, 

281 

fluor-haloide, 

109 

Pagodite, 

153 

iron-ore, 

224 

Palladium, 

278 

iron, 

219 

Paranthine, 

36 

oxide  of  titanium, 

271 

Pargasite, 

58 

Octohedrite, 

271 

Pearl-kerate,  hexahedral, 

179 

Oil,  mineral, 

288 

Pearl-spar, 

105 

Olive-malachite, 

199 

Pearl-stone, 

146 

prismatic, 

" 

Pearl-sinter, 

22 

Oliven-ore, 

tc 

Pea-stone. 

99 

prismatic, 

" 

Peliom, 

78 

trihedral. 

11 

Peridot, 

79 

Olivine, 

80 

Petalite, 

169 

Omphacite, 

310 

prismatic, 

" 

Onyx, 

14 

Petroleum, 

289 

Oolite, 

99 

Pharmacolite, 

118 

Opal, 

8 

Phosphate  of  alumine, 

119 

common, 

10 

of  copper, 

196 

ferruginous. 

11 

of  iron, 

236 

fire, 

10 

of  lead, 

208 

Labrador, 

149 

of  lime, 

107 

precious, 

9 

of  manganese, 

256 

semi, 

10 

Phosphate  of  lime,  silicious, 

109 

Opal  i  zed  wood. 

11 

massive, 

" 

Opal-jasper, 
Oriental  amethyst. 

67 

Phosphorite, 
Picnite, 

71 

ruby, 

" 

Picrolite, 

310 

INDEX. 


33S 


page. 

page. 

Picrosmine, 

310 

Prismatic  triphane-spar, 

31 

Pictorial  marlite, 

97 

hal-baryte, 

123 

Pimelite, 

215 

lime-haloide, 

102 

Finite, 

71 

nitre  -salt, 

130 

Pipe  clay, 

50 

titanium-ore, 

273 

Pisiform  iron-stone, 

231 

wolfram, 

276 

Pisolite, 

99 

quartz, 

78 

Pitch-blende, 

240 

Pumice, 

163 

Pitch-coal, 

295    Purple  copper, 

188 

Pitch-stone, 

162  ;  Pvcnite, 

75 

Pitchy  iron-ore, 

235    Pyrallolite, 

60 

Plasma, 

17 

Pyramidal  copper  pyrites, 

188 

Platina, 

174 

crysolite, 

138 

native, 

<  c 

lead-baryte, 

210 

Plaister  of  Paris, 

114 

tin-ore, 

242 

Pleonaste, 

77 

titanium-ore, 

271 

Plomb  arsenic, 

209 

zircon, 

83 

carbonate, 

204 

Pyrenite, 

26 

chromate, 

211 

Pyrgom, 

55 

molybdate, 

210 

Pyrites, 

221 

natif, 

201 

argentiferous  arsenical, 

•  c 

oxide  rouge, 

204 

arsenical, 

It 

phosphate, 

20* 

common, 

a 

sulfure, 

201 

copper, 

188 

sulfure  antimonifere, 

202 

hepatic, 

223 

Plumbago, 

285 

magnetic, 

<( 

Plumbo-cupriferous  sulphuret 

radiated, 

222 

of  bismuth, 

*13 

tin, 

244 

Polishing  slate, 

45 

white, 

222 

Polyhalite, 

139 

Pyritous  copper, 

188 

Porcelain  clay, 

47 

variegated, 

Cf 

Porcelain  jasper, 

20 

Pyritous  tin, 

244 

Porcellanite, 

n 

Pyrope, 

26 

Potstone, 

153 

Pyrophvsalite, 

75 

Potash, 

130    Pyrosmalite, 

235 

nitrate  of, 

« 

Pyroxene, 

53 

Potasse  nitrate, 

« 

grauuliforme. 

56 

Potter's  clay, 

50 

Prase, 

3   Quartz, 

1 

Prehnite, 

31 

avanturine, 

3 

fibrous, 

32 

common, 

1 

prismatic, 

31 

brown, 

5 

Prenite, 

« 

ferruginous, 

(C 

Prismatic  bismuth-glance, 

213 

fetid, 

7 

Prismatic  copper  mica, 

19S 

granular, 

it 

Prismatic  corundum, 

75 

green, 

3 

chrysolite, 

79 

irised, 

6 

emerald. 

85 

milky, 

4 

334 


INDEX. 


radiated, 

page. 

6 

cobalt, 

218 

rose, 

4 

copper-ore, 

191 

smoky, 

5 

hematite, 

239 

spongiform, 

7 

iron-ore, 

230 

stalactical, 

6 

Red  ochre, 

" 

yellow, 

5 

orpiment, 

263 

violet, 

4 

silver, 

183 

Quartz,  empyrodox, 

145 

vitriol, 

219 

indivisible, 

" 

Red  oxide  of  copper, 

191 

Quartz-agathe, 

capillary, 

192 

calcedoine, 

13 

ferruginous, 

" 

carnaline, 

17 

foliated, 

1C 

chatoyant, 

8 

massive, 

(I 

grossier, 

21 

Red  oxide  of  iron, 

229 

onyx, 

14 

compact, 

230 

ponctue, 

16 

fibrous, 

229 

prase, 

17 

ochery, 

230 

pyromaque, 

12 

scaly, 

" 

sardoine, 

15 

Red  oxide  of  lead,  native, 

204 

Quartz-hyalin, 

1 

Red  oxide  of  titanium, 

269 

aventurine, 

3 

renticulated, 

270 

concretionne, 

8 

Red  oxide  of  zinc, 

248 

enfume, 

7 

Retinasphalt, 

298 

fibreux, 

6 

Rhetizite, 

72 

granulaire, 

7 

Rhomb-spar' 

104 

gras, 

1C 

Rhodonite, 

255 

irise, 

6 

Rhombohedral  alum-haloide, 

138 

jaun, 

5 

alum-stone, 

130 

latieux, 

4 

apatite, 

107 

pseudomorphique,    6 

baryte, 

122 

rose, 

4 

corundum, 

66 

rubigineux, 

5 

emerald, 

86 

violet, 

4 

emerald-malachite, 

195 

vert-obscur, 

3 

euchlore-mica, 

198 

Quartz  jaspe, 

19 

fluor-  haloide, 

107 

Quartz  jaspe  onyx, 

20 

iron-ore, 

226 

Quartz-resinite, 

8 

lime-haloide, 

89 

girasol, 

10 

ruby-blende, 

183 

hydrophane, 

11 

talc-mica, 

141 

opalin, 

9 

zinc-baryte, 

249 

prismatic, 

78 

Rock  cork, 

65 

subluisant, 

12 

Rock  crystal, 

1 

xyloid, 

11 

Rock  milk, 

91 

Quicksilver, 

177 

Rock  salt,  hexahedral, 

133 

*'Jr                                                       •  '    #  ^^  r  •  «  .w  W: 

Roestone, 

99 

Realgar, 

263 

Romanzovite, 

29 

Reddle, 

51 

Roof  slate, 

42 

Red  antimony, 

260 

Rotten  stone. 

47 

chalk, 

51  1 

IN&EX. 


335 


Rubellite,  158 

Rubicelle,  77 

Ruby,  76 

balas,  77 

oriental,  67 

spinelle,  76 

Ruin  marble,  97 

Sahlite,  55 

Sal  ammoniac,  136 

Salt  petre,  130 

Salt,  common,  133 
Sandy  magnetic  oxide  of  iron,  2 '-'5 

Sappare,  71 

Sapphire  66 

asteriated,  67 

blue,  66 

green,  67 

oriental, 

perfect,  66 

red,  67 

violet, 

yellow,  " 

Sarcolite,  161 

Sard,  15 
Sardonyx, 

Satin-spar,  91 

Saussurite,  167 

Scapolite,  35 

compact,  168 

Schaalstein,  106 

Scheehn  calcaire,  277 

ferrugine,  276 

Scheelium-baryte,  277 

pyramidal, 

Scheelium-ore,  276 

prismatic, 

pyramidal,  277 

Schiller-spar,  63 

hemi-prismatic, 

Schiste  luisant,  42 

Schorlous  topaz,  75 

Schorl,  156 

common, 

Scorodite,  200 

Selenite,  112 

massive, 

Selenium,  279 


page 

Seleniuret  of  silver  and  cop- 
per, 184 
Semi-opal,  11 
Seneca  oil,  290 
Septaria,  100 
Serpentine,  81 
common,  82 
noble,  81 
precious,  " 
Severite,  311 
Shale,  42 
bituminous,  41 
Silice  fluatee  alumineuse,  74 
Silicious  anhydrite,  1 16 
borate  of  lime,  117 
oxide  of  cerium,  267 
oxide  of  manganese,  254 
oxide  of  zinc,  248 
carbonate  of  lime,  106 
sinter,  21 
slate,  45 
hydrate  of  alumine,  3 1 1 
Sillimanite,  {r!72 
Silver,  179 
antimonial,  ISO 
antimonial  sulphuretted,  183 
argillaceous  muriate  of,    1 85 
arsenico-antimonial,  181 
auriferous  native,  180 
bismuthic,  181 
black  sulphuret  of,  182 
brittle  snlphuret  of,  183 
carbonate  of,  184 
flexible  sulphuret  of,  182 
hexahedral,  179 
molybdic,  181 
muriate  of,  185 
native,  179 
sulphuret  of,  182 
Sinter,  opaline,  21 
pearl,  22 
silicious,  ^1 
Skorza, 

Slate,  adhesive,  44 

argillaceous,  41 

alum,  44 

clay,  42 

graphic,  45 


'.*«:' 


336 


INDEX. 


flinty, 

page. 
45 

Stromnite, 

page. 
127 

polishing, 

a 

Strontian, 

126 

siiicious, 

it 

carbonate  of, 

<i 

whet, 

43 

sulphate  of, 

J27 

Smaragdite, 

63 

Strontiane  carbonatee, 

126 

Soapstone, 

15i 

sulfatee, 

127 

Soda, 

132 

Strontianite, 

126 

carbonate  of, 

131 

Sub-sulphate  of  alumine, 

118 

borate  of, 

132 

siiicious, 

119 

muriate  of, 

133 

Sub-phosphate  of  alumine, 

« 

nitrate  of, 

132 

Sub-fluate  of  cerium, 

268 

sulphate  of, 

n 

Succin, 

296 

Sodalite, 

159 

Succinite, 

29 

Somrnite, 

]6<> 

Sulphate  of  alumine  and  po- 

Somervillite, 

313 

tash, 

137 

Sordavvallite, 

« 

of  ammonia, 

135 

Soude  boratee, 

132 

of  barytes, 

123 

caibonatee, 

131 

columnar, 

124 

inuriatee, 

133 

compact, 

125 

nitratee, 

132 

earthy, 

it 

sulfatee, 

t'i 

fetid, 

n 

Spar,  adamantine, 

68 

fibrous, 

124 

calcareous, 

89 

granular, 

125 

bitter,' 

104 

lamellar, 

124 

brown, 

105 

Sulphate  of  cobalt, 

219 

Derbyshire, 

11 

of  copper, 

196 

fluor, 

109 

of  iron, 

238 

heavy, 

123 

of  lead, 

207 

rhomb, 

104 

of  iron, 

236 

satin, 

91 

of  lime, 

112 

tabular, 

106 

anhydrous, 

115 

Sparry  iron, 

236 

of  magnesia, 

121 

Spathose  iron, 

« 

,  of  soda, 

132 

Specular  oxide  of  iron, 

226 

of  strontian, 

127 

Sphasrulite, 

313 

fibrous, 

128 

Sphene, 

273 

foliated, 

«( 

Spinellane, 

159 

of  zinc, 

251 

Spinelle, 

76 

Sulphato-carbonate  of  lead, 

206 

ruby, 

(i 

tri-carbonate  of  lead, 

207 

Spirielle  zincifere, 

73 

Sulphur, 

280 

t'umene, 
ctite, 
gmite, 
rolite, 

170 
92 

72 

hemi-prismatic, 
native, 
prismatoidal, 
volcanic, 

263 

28 
264 

281 

Staurotide, 

tt 

Sulphuret  of  antimony, 

259 

Steatite, 

152 

compact, 

« 

pogodite, 

153 

plumose, 

a 

Steinheilite, 

78 

radiated, 

a 

Stilbite, 

32    Sulphuret  of  arsenic, 

263 

INDEX. 


337 


page. 

red,  263 

yellow,  264 

Sulphuret  of  bismuth,  2  i  3 

cupreous, 

plum  bo-cupreous, 
Sulphuret  of  cobalt,  218 

of  cobalt  and  copper, 

of  copper,  187 

pseudomorphous, 
Sulphuret  of  iron,  221 

arsenical,  223 

auriferous, 

hepatic, 

magnetic, 

radiated,  222 

Sulphuret  of  lead,  201 

antimonial,  202 

Sulphuret  of  manganese,         255 
Sulphuret  of  mercury,  177 

compact,  178 

fibrous, 

hepatic, 

slaty, 

Sulphuret  of  molybdena,         257 
Sulphuret  of  silver,  182 

cupreous,  184 

Sulphuret  of  silver  and  copper,  " 

black,  182 

brittle,  183 

flexible,  182 

Sulphuret  of  zinc,  245 

black,  247 

cadmiferous, 

fibrous, 

phosphorescent,  246 

Sulphuretted  antimonial  sil- 
ver, 183 
Sulphuretted  oxide  of  anti- 
mony,                           260 
Swinestone,  98 


Tabular-spar, 
Talc, 

indurated, 

scaly, 
Talc  graphique, 

granuleux, 

ollaire, 

steatite, 


106 
151 
152 
144 
153 
144 
153 
152 


page. 

zographique,  If  5 

Talc-mica,  prismatic,  151 

Tantale  oxide,  265 
Tantalite, 

Tantalum,  " 
Tellure,natifauro-ar^entifere,275 

natifauro-ferrifere,  " 

natif  auro-plumbifere,  276 

Tellurium,  274 
auro-argentiferous  native.275 
auro-plumbiferous  native,  ^76 

native,  275 

Tennantite,  190 

Thomsonite,  35 

Thulite;  313 

Thumerstone,  39 

Tile-ore,  192 

Tin,  242 

oxide  of,  " 
sulphuret  of,  and  copper,  244 
Tin  pyrites, 

Tin  stone,  242 

Titaue,  oxide,  269 

ferrifere,  271 

siliceo-calcaire,  273 

Titanite,  269 

Titanium,  " 

oxide  of,  " 

ferruginous  oxide  of,  271 
giliceo-calcareous  oxide 

of,  273 

Topaz,  74 

Bohemian,  ,  5 

false,  " 

oriental,  67 

Siberian,  74 

Topazolite,  28 

Torrelite,  314 

i  ouchstone,  45 

Tourmaline,  156 

black,  " 

blue,  158 

green,  157 

red,  158 

yellow,  157 

white,  158 

Tremolite,  59 

bladed,  60 

crystallized,  59 


338 


INDEX. 


page. 
fibrous,                                59 

Wagnerite, 

315 

Triphane-spar,  prismatic, 

170 

Wakke, 

46 

Tripoli, 

49 

Wavelite, 

119 

Tufa,  calcareous, 

101 

Wernerite, 

35 

Tungstate  of  iron, 

276 

White  copper, 

190 

Tungsten, 

" 

Withamite, 

315 

calcareous  oxide  of, 

277 

Witherite, 

123 

oxide  of, 

276 

Wolfram, 

276 

Turkey  hone, 

43 

Wood  opal, 

11 

Turquoise, 

69 

Wood  tin, 

244 

mineral, 

" 

oriental, 

" 

Yellow  tellurium, 

276 

Yellow  orpiment, 

263 

Umber, 

229 

Yttro-cerite, 

268 

Umboldilite, 

317 

Yttrious  oxide  of  columbium, 

265 

Uncleavable  cerium-ore, 

267 

Yttro-columbite, 

" 

Uncleavable  staphaline-mala- 

Yttro-tantalite, 

ri 

chite, 

194 

Uranium, 

240 

Zeagonite, 

315 

black  oxide  of, 

" 

Zeolite, 

33 

earthy  oxide  of, 

242 

dodecahedral, 

142 

green  oxide  of, 

241 

foliated, 

33 

Uran  ochre, 

240 

mealy, 

34 

Uran  oxidule, 

" 

prismatic, 

33 

oxide, 

241 

pyramidal, 

52 

Uranite, 

" 

Zinc, 

245 

Uranium-ore,  uncleavable, 

240 

carbonate  of, 

249 

sulphate  of, 

251 

Vauquelinite, 

212 

silicious  oxide  of, 

248 

Variegated  copper, 
Vermiculite, 

188 
314 

red  oxide  of, 
sulphuret  of, 

245 

Vesuvian, 

29 

Zircon, 

83 

Vitriol,  prismatic, 

196 

common, 

85 

rhomboidal, 

123 

pyramidal, 

83 

Volcanic  sulphur, 

281 

Zoisite, 

36 

Zurlite, 

31ft 

Wacke, 

46 

ERRATA. 

Page  xx,  For  Sihenite  read  Selenite. 
"      xxvi,  For  Arroganite  read  Arrogonite. 
"      LXVIII,  For  Heliaotrope  read  Heliotrope. 
"      LXIX,  For  Scopolite  read  Scapolite. 

"      For  Automollite  read  Automolite. 
"      For  Pyenite  read  Pycnite. 
"      For  Bruceite  read  Brucite. 
LXXII,  For  Pearstone  read  Pearlstone. 
LXXIII,  For  Aurifirous  read  Auriferous. 
8,  For  amgdaloid  read  amygdaloid. 
10,  For  runs  read  run. 
29,  For  Roxborough  read  Boxborough. 
"      139,  For  Brithene-spar  read  Brithene-salt. 
lf      143,  For  Andalucite  read  Andalusite. 

"      For  Axtomatous  read  Axotornous. 
"       157,  For  Stafford  read  Strafford. 
"      161,  For  Carlton  read  Calton. 

167,  For  Saussureite  read  Saussurite. 
"      For  Chabaise  read  Chabasie. 
172,  For  Abite  read  Albite. 
"      179,  For  Hornsilver  read  Horn  Quicksilver. 

181,  For  Sulphur  read  Silver. 
"      207,  For  Sulfato  read  Sulphato. 
281,  For  Saltafara  read  Solfaterra. 
301,  For  Bucrlandite  read  Bucklandite. 


YB   16777 


